How to Attract Chinese Tourists to the Maldives?

In 2023, the Maldives signed a visa waiver agreement with China. Since then, there has been a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting Maldives. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the combination of seaside beauty and luxury had already captured the hearts of Chinese people. In this article, let's discuss how to attract Chinese travellers to the Maldives.

How to attract honeymooning couples from China to the Maldives?

Chinese couples on their honeymoon look for luxury, indulgent attention and complimentary features in their honeymoon package. Most Maldives five-star hotels offer special spa deals, free meals and more in their honeymoon suites. Most hotels like the Adaaran Vadoo offer fruit baskets and champagne free of charge to newlywed couples. Such attentions go a long way in welcoming travellers. Creating separate, and attractive packages for Chinese newlyweds specifically can incentivize more couples to look to the Maldives for their honeymoon.

Image via Adaaran Vadoo 

How to use social media to attract Chinese tourists?

Create a website entirely in Mandarin to allow native speakers to learn all about Maldives in their own language. This creates trust and offers a seamless experience. Offer booking and customer service support in Mandarin. Also, establish a strong digital presence on platforms like Douyin (TikTok), Weibo and WeChat. Craft engaging content catering specifically to the Chinese market. Promoting unique experiences online in Mandarin can go a long way in making way for organic growth. However, it is important to have insights into different Chinese market segments.

What are the different types of Chinese tourists?

There are two types of Chinese tourists – the wealthy and budget-conscious. Each group’s travel preferences, spending habits and overall expectations differ.

How to leverage on travel preferences of Chinese tourists – budget-conscious travellers?

Chinese travellers on a budget prefer popular tourist sites and attractions. They are more likely to seek historical sites, typical snorkelling excursions, group island hopping and visit natural wonders. Often, budget-conscious travellers like to participate in pre-planned group activities.

How to use group travel to attract Chinese tourists?

Group travel is still popular with a majority of budget-conscious travellers. Some Chinese travellers prefer to let a guide take care of the logistics to help navigate the language barrier. And, it is easier to stick to a group of like-minded people where they feel at home, even when travelling. More importantly, travelling in a group is much less expensive than travelling alone.

How to leverage the travel preferences of Chinese tourists – affluent travellers?

China is a prosperous country, and wealthy families look for luxurious vacations to savour the finer things in life. Wealthy Chinese tourists are more likely to look for personalized itineraries, private tours and exclusive accommodation. They might even look for off-the-beaten-path yet high-scale tours and experiences. Creating customizable tours and itineraries and offering luxurious privacy and additional attention would draw more affluent Chinese tourists to the Maldives.

How to create partnerships with Chinese agencies?

Maldives travel agencies stand a better chance to attract well-off Chinese tourists to the Maldives if they partner with their Chinese counterparts. This way Maldivian agencies can tap into the expertise, insights and networks of Chinese agencies. In return, Maldivian agencies can offer customizable packages, luxury getaways and affordable tours to budget-conscious Chinese travellers.

How to use Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) to attract Chinese travellers?

Influencers carry a lot of weight in shifting perception in both affluent and budget-conscious travellers. Collaborate with influencers to show the stunning landscapes of Maldives and romantic, incomparable adventures in the seas and sand. Invite influencers to experience the Maldives free of charge and in turn create curated content. Work in consultation with them to understand the needs and inclinations of Chinese tourists. Then offer more customized travel experiences and special promotion packages along with Chinese language support.