Chinese travelers in their 30s are becoming the biggest spenders in outbound travel, powering China's global spending spree this Spring Festival.
Flying high in the golden years of their career, Chinese in their 30s enjoy higher incomes than their parents' generation had and have a greater desire to see the world. These youthful travelers with considerable spending power are seeking experiential travel that means they are spending more on dining, entertainment and quality lifestyle than just sightseeing and shopping.
Travelers under 35 comprised the largest group in China's outbound demographic - 67.5% of all Chinese travelers in 2014 were in their 30s, according to the World Tourism Cities Federation.
Meanwhile, China’s Union Pay International launched various promotions to encourage spending in outbound travel during the festive period. It launched in early February a month-long Spring Festival campaign that offered 20% discounts in 1,500 boutiques in 30 countries and regions. Cardholders could also get 6% cash back for credit card purchases abroad and outbound travel bookings through three major national travel agencies - CYTS, CITS, CTS - and top OTA Ctrip.
Middle East air hub Qatar Hamad International Airport also offered credit card reward promotions in addition to building a 180 sqm “China Pavilion”, while car rentals in Sydney greeted Chinese customers with Union Pay stickers that read “Welcome to Australia” in Chinese.(Translation by David)
