China’s inbound corporate travel market is experiencing a resurgence, fuelled by the nation’s visa optimisation policies, and a growing interest in diverse destinations by corporates.
“With simplified visa processes and expanded visa-free policies for more countries, it’s now easier for international business travellers to visit China,” said Carol Chung, vice president – commercial, Greater China, Hyatt.
When asked which countries were showing strong growth in inbound corporate travel to China for the company, Chung pointed to Japan, South Korea, and the US.
“Japan and South Korea remain key feeder markets for inbound travel to China. According to a Ctrip whitepaper, these two countries South Korea and Japan respectively ranked second and third for inbound tourism to Beijing, and in 1H2024, they accounted for the highest flight volumes to China,” Chung noted.
The US has also emerged as a major source market for inbound travel. According to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the US ranked first for inbound travel to Beijing in 1H2024, with a mix of business and independent travellers.
Additionally, China has seen significant inbound growth from South-east Asian countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
There has also been a shift in the corporate travel landscape in China.
Chung elaborated: “Key economic hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, remain primary business travel destinations. However, emerging cities such Chongqing, Chengdu, Jingdezhen, and Zhangjiajie are gaining traction, particularly among corporate travellers from South-east Asia and South Korea, who are seeking unique cultural and experiential offerings (as bleisure destinations).”
To further support corporate travellers, Hyatt offers exclusive corporate rates and enhanced loyalty benefits through the World of Hyatt programme, as well as the Elite Trial Tier offer, designed specifically for key corporate accounts in the market. This allows eligible travellers to experience the benefits of Explorist status for 90 days, with a fast-track opportunity to earn Explorist or Globalist status.
