China is bound to become the No. 1 international tourism source market in 2012. After 70,250,000 travelers crossed the border from Mainland China in 2011, for the current year the total number may well top the numbers of Germany and USA, which have been the two top source markets for many years.
More and more companies and marketing organizations create products and communication channels, which are appropriate for Chinese demands and behavior and can be used by others in the industry as best practice examples. Fifteen of them received a CTW Chinese Tourists Welcoming Award for their good work during the COTTM China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market 2012 in Beijing.
The award ceremony found the interest of many visitors and exhibitors of COTTM, the most important outbound fair for the Chinese market, organized by Tarsus Co. (London). Several of the winners were accompanied by ambassadors of their respective countries and other VIPs during the ceremony.
The international jury was faced with the difficult task to select the gold, silver and bronze CTW Award winners among many diversified applications from private companies and governmental institutions from all around the world and all segments of the industry. Awards were given in five categories: Product Innovation, Internet/Media, Service Quality, Marketing, and Overall Performance. The recipients included small and big organizations and companies from all continents, with Europe and Asia having the biggest share, but the Americas, Africa and Oceania also represented.
“Big and small destinations and companies are equally looking for a piece of the Chinese tourism cake. They are however at different points on the learning curve in understanding the special needs and expectations of Chinese visitors. The CTW Award best practice examples are helping the industry to learn from those who started a bit earlier than others.” said Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, director of COTRI, who chaired the CTW Award ceremony.
Next year will see the 10th anniversary of the CTW Chinese Tourists Welcoming Award ceremony, which will be held in a way appropriate for the oldest and most prestigious Award in China’s outbound tourism.
COTRI is the worldwide leading independent research institute for analysis, consulting and quality assessment relating to the Chinese Outbound Tourism market. With the head office in Heide, Germany and a Chinese branch based in Beijing, COTRI offers a broad range of services, including market research, analysis, consulting and coaching for destinations, companies and individuals. Further information can be found on www.china-outbound.com
List of winners 2012
Category: Product Innovation
- GOLD: Slovenian Tourist Board
- SILVER: Chinese Business Trainers (Kenya)
- BRONZE: Multilink Capital Resources – Holiday Autos Asia (UK)
Category: Internet/Media
- GOLD: Consensio Holidays Ltd (UK)
- SILVER: Lake St Clair Lodge (Australia)
- BRONZE: Surtrek Tour Operator (Ecuador)
Category: Service Quality
- GOLD: Seychelles Tourism Board
- SILVER: Victoria and Albert Museum (UK)
- BRONZE: Blue Sky Holidays (Bangladesh)
Category: Marketing
- GOLD: Zagreb Tourist Board (Croatia)
- SILVER: United Airlines (USA)
- BRONZE: Dubai Ski and Playnation (UAE)
Category: Overall Performance
- GOLD: National Tour Association (USA)
- SILVER: AVIS Rent A Car (USA)
- BRONZE: Value Retail (UK)
