The huge increase in Chinese tourists around the world has forced the travel industry to make rapid changes. The UN World Tourism Organization predicted in that by 2015, 100 million Chinese people would travel abroad a year. The actual numbers passed this expectation by 20% with 120 million outbound Chinese people in 2015 spending 104.5 billion US dollars (16.7% more than a year earlier). An increase in average Chinese personal income and more convenient visa policies are both factors this jump up from only 57 million international travelers five years ago.

How are US companies catering to this explosive new market? From rerouting extra flights through China to changing hotel decor, the influx of millions of globetrotting Chinese people has transformed the US travel industry.

Lots of Red, Not Too Much White, and Skip Floor 4

Hotels have been making some of the most overt changes catering to Chinese customers. In general, hotels are opting for more red in their rooms rather than white (better luck in China), and avoiding putting important facilities on the fourth floor  (four 四 sounds like 死 or death in Mandarin and is avoided). 

The Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, and other hotels, meanwhile, all have included an in-house Chinese “specialist" since 2012.  Hilton's Huanying program, too, promises to "offer Chinese travelers a customized hospitality experience during their stay." These specialized services from various hotels can include anything from having a tea kettle in the room to Mandarin language TV and Chinese style breakfast. 

Add Mandarin and a Dash of Instant Noodles

American museums like The Corning Glass Museum in Corning, New York have also been trying to capture the Chinese market. According to their former Mandarin-speaking employee, Kyle Landin, they began receiving a lot of Chinese visitors when agencies busing Chinese tourists from NYC to Niagara Falls decided to make Corning a pit stop along the way. The Corning Glass Museum responded by hiring several native speakers to translate their live glass blowing show into Mandarin. According to Kyle, they also began offering different Chinese snacks, including "lots of different flavors of Chinese instant noodle cups." 

Airlines, travel agencies, bus companies are also following this trend, translating their materials and importing Chinese brands for their new customers to enjoy with familiarity. With luxury shopping was cited as a major attraction for the 64% of Chinese tourists that are female in 2015, New York City's luxury brands, too, have their signs in Mandarin and carry Chinese-focused goodies. Tiffany's Jewelry even has all of their security guards know useful phrases in Mandarin such as "help is on the second floor." 

All of these changes have come rather quickly over the last five years, with more and more companies following suit. Though this trend could slow over the next couple years with the depreciation of the Chinese RMB, it seems the US travel industry has decided Chinese language and cultural fluency will remain an invaluable part of American business from now on. Are you ready?