China’s leading inbound DMCs, buoyed by the government’s more visa-friendly stand and companies wanting to resume trade, are planning to target more business delegations and corporate meetings in 2024.
Linda Wang, founder and owner, Asia Concierge, told TTGmice her longhaul international clients with letters of invitation were granted visa approval in three days, while applications for a Fortune 500 delegation from the Philippines were granted in five.
But Asia Concierge prefers to be “conservative” this year and not expand too aggressively because of the complicated geopolitical situation, she shared.
China Star, founder and CEO, Liu Ping, observed DMCs and PCOs “have to be ready for overnight government changes”.
Strong in the Polish market and Germany – where production has slowed – Liu is creating new incentive programmes to showcase south-west China, and is working on a proposal for government sponsorship for a fam trip for 10 hosted buyers and media.
In the case of Realm, which targets corporate and association meetings, managing director Violet Wang is open to new source market segments in English-, French- and German-speaking countries in Europe, South America, the US, and Asia Pacific.
Violet Wang opined that “governments and corporates are driving hard to reconnect”, and as such, expects a good growth outcome of up to 20 per cent this year and sees opportunities in the US market.
Kin Qin, deputy general manager Century Holiday Travel Group said China’s “attitude change” in offering visa-free entry to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia would help address recovery challenges such as high air fares faced last year.
Century Holiday Travel Group, which focuses on tailor-made programmes and corporate trips from South-east Asia – in particular, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore – will continue to mount sales trips and attend tradeshows in South-east Asia.
Qin also identified IMEX Frankfurt and IBTM World in Barcelona to “grab opportunities” this year.
“We will start looking at the Middle East and potential from Dubai and invest in developing talent to personalise service and meet the needs of high-end clients,” she added.
