Experts’ take on China biz

Chinese market is one of the key source markets, and the UAE maybe the first destinations to receive the Chinese visitors whenever China allows travel. A few experts speak their mind on the issue.

Spencer Wadama, General Manager, SLS Hotel and Residences

At SLS Dubai, we fully understand that we need to stay relevant to stay attractive for this generation. Gen Z travellers are set to change the consumer travel pattern, that’s why understanding their travel behaviour is crucial. Gen Z like change and fresh new concepts – as a brand, at SLS we are always coming up with new ways to be able to surprise guests and bring them unique experiences. We’ll continue to take this approach.

Tamara Loeffel, Head of Business Development, Graubunden Tourism Board

Upon the quarantine policy, currently international arrivals have been cut to 5 days in a designated quarantine facility, plus 3 days of home isolation. Since 7th December, strong rumours have been circulating that China’s inbound quarantine will shift to a 2+3 model later in December, and be further reduced to 0+3 in January. That’s correct, it appears that the Chinese government is taking a step-by-step approach to opening borders.

Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director, ATS Travel

The whole world is waiting to receive Chinese Travellers. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, more than 154 million Chinese tourists travelled the world. And today the world is feeling the pinch of this shortfall. Our DMC partners in China are optimistic that outbound tourism will start by Q2 of 2023. They have already sought our rates. I don’t think tourism from China will be in the same scale of what we used to see prior to 2020, at least till next year.