Marketing through understanding: Tourism operators get tips on Chinese market

A Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. meeting Wednesday will focus on attracting Chinese tourists, and making sure their experience is a good one while they are on the Island.

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Grace Xin of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the keynote speaker at the event. She said understanding Chinese food and geography, and not treating the country like a single entity, will help business operators market to Chinese clients.

"If you understand the differences, you understand the Chinese culture behaviours, you probably come up with product that not only serves the faraway market in mainland China, but you also can tailor your program to the Chinese that are already at your doorstep," said Xin.

Many Chinese tourists coming to Canada are from cities and are looking for a mix of activities to keep them engaged, she said. She suggests package deals that include things like clam digging, cooking and group photos.

The Georgetown meeting will also include an update on the association's five-year plan.

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