#10: Ten Destinations the Chinese are just discovering

Find out COTRI’s selection of 10 destinations the Chinese are just discovering: SEYCHELLES

Recent research suggest a switch on the way Chinese show prestige and status. It seems that experiences are gaining ground to purchases of the latest Louis Vuitton bag. And this trend mostly involves travelling to exotic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations and sharing it with friends and relatives on social media.

As popular destinations are no longer a secret for many Chinese, many start opting for off-the-beaten track journeys, going where other Chinese have never been before. ‘Too many Chinese around’, affirms a billionaire Chinese holidaymaker at the splendorous The Palm Resort in Dubai.

We have done a selection of destinations that although they still get only a modest share of Chinese tourists, arrivals are growing at a fast rate – and they are preparing for that.

#10. Seychelles
#9. Zimbabwe
#8. Tijuana
#7. Palau
#6. Tonga
#5. Tasmania
#4. Pennsylvania Dutch Country
#3. Cuba
#2. Chihuahua
#1. Antarctica

Seychelles, which heavily depends on tourism and is a classic destinations for European high-end holidaymakers, feels the necessity for diversifying due to the economic convulsions in the old continent.

The archipelago has received 13,000 arrivals from China in 2014. However, the tourism authorities agree that they are not in need of huge numbers, but a frequent turnaround to fill its flights and the 11,000 beds in the country.

In this regard, the strategy will foster establishing regular direct flights instead of the current chartered as well as working closely with Chinese tour operators to promote the destination. A single weekly direct flight to China would deliver 10,000 visitors a year.

CHECK #9: ZIMBABWE

Photos: Didier Baertschiger, flickr