Chinese tourists are among the world’s biggest holiday spenders

China’s billionaire Li Jinyuan made headline news early this week for sending 6,400 employees to France for an incentive holiday.  The founder and chairman of the Tiens Group is reportedly spending Euros13 million for the biggest ever tour-group to visit France.

Li’s generosity - which reportedly includes the booking of 4,700 rooms in 79 four and five-star hotels in Paris and the south of France - does not include the employees’ shopping spree during the week-long holiday to celebrate in style the 20^th anniversary of the group which operates in tourism, trade and cosmetics. 

While his lavish spending was regarded by many as a publicity stint for the group, it highlights the fact that Chinese tourist are fast becoming a common fixture in many European resorts and destinations. 

Stunning sunsets and unique architecture in Oia are among the key reasons why tourists
from China to America and all over Europe visit the Greek island of Santorini.
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

With an average of Euros 1,500 in purchases, Chinese tourists are among the world’s biggest holiday spenders.  And today, more and more Chinese tourists are travelling independently rather than part of a tour group.

While visiting the Greek island of Santorini recently, I found that it is a common sight to see Chinese couples dressed in wedding garb with professional photographers in toll having their marital pictures taken against scenic backdrops.

Family-run boutique hotels such as the Anemoessa Villa above in Oia, Santorini, with sea views and modern facilities, are increasingly popular for European as well as Chinese visitors.
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

According to one owner of a local family-run hotel in the popular Santorini city of Oia, which is famous for its stunning sunsets, business is booming despite the challenging economic climate that the rest of Greece is associated with in recent years.

Chinese tourists visit the Greek island of Santorini when the weather is more accommodating, starting as early as April and May, according to  manageress Irini Balopitou whose family runs the AnemoessaVilla near Finikia (the Unesco-declared heritage village) and Oia.  While they may opt to skip the hot Greek summer, the Chinese tourists return in September and October, leaving the sweltering months to sun-loving tourists from around Europe and the rest of the world, said  Irini.