The reason I am focused on promoting tourism development with China is because I have witnessed first hand the dynamic growth and immense potential of the sector. I have felt the energy of the people working in the sector in China and seen the hunger of Chinese to travel overseas. The pace of growth and expansion has overwhelmed me when I was working there in 2002-2005 and since then, each time I return I can see that the Chinese travel professionals are even more sophisticated and knowledgeable.

What this means is that Western companies and destinations need to get smarter in how they market and sell travel services in China. It used to be the case that simply becoming an approved destination (ADS) was enough to start getting tour groups, and a photo-op with a Chinese government leader got you all the business you needed. This is no longer true. Consumers shop around, research destinations online and share experiences with others that have been on chat rooms and web forums.

By Tim Johnson, McClatchy News Service

Last update: May 13, 2007 – 7:30 PM

ZENGSHOL, TIBET

In a massive campaign that recalls the socialist
engineering of an earlier era, the Chinese government has moved about
250,000 Tibetans — nearly one-tenth of the population — from
scattered rural hamlets to new “socialist villages,” ordering them to
build new housing largely at their own expense and without their
consent.

The government calls the year-old project the
“comfortable housing program,” and its stated aim is to present a more
modern face for this ancient region, which China has controlled since
1950.

A shifting landscape in Tibet

The
tourism industry has never had it so good, but its senior executives
are feeling strangely guilty about their success and fearful of a green
backlash.

Expected to grow by 4.3 per cent a year over the next
decade, the industry’s bosses are fretting over climate change, worried
that flying is seen as the most polluting activity, and falling over
themselves to champion schemes that allow the travelling public to go
on clocking up air miles.

FT.com / Companies / Retailing & leisure – Tourism chiefs face green guilt trip

Comment: Not directly about China, but still important to discuss.
While the chief argue, global warming continues. There is a strong desire to sidestep the issue for as long as possible – this is a personal motive of people at the top who are looking at their profit-related bonuses and share options first of all, then at public perceptions. This happened to the oil industry and it was fine until a major catastrophe happened. Tourism may not lead to environmental disasters in a visible linkable way, but companies still have a responsibility to provide disclosure on how their business is affecting the environment. Kudos to Stelios for recognising that the ‘debate is over’ and getting on with the job of investing in fuel efficiency and maximum seat factor.
Hotel guests are using water and electricity way more than people living in their own houses so this is also an important issue to tackle seriously.