Keeping pace with changes in China’s outbound tourism market

Mahaweli Reach, Kandy recently organised a workshop on ‘Keeping pace with the changes in China’s Outbound Tourism Market’ for the representatives of the Kandy Hoteliers Association and Regional Economic Development Agency of the Central Province. The program was conducted by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, an eminent personality in the international hospitality industry with over 35 years of extensive experience in the South East Asia region where he has spent a greater part of his time immersed in the Chinese outbound market.

Prof. Wolfgang is a recognised corporate trainer who has conducted training programs for several tourism organisations and airlines world over. 

The Chinese market is one of the fastest growing source markets globally and is becoming the strongest emerging market for the Sri Lankan tourism industry as well. Therefore the need to understand these tourists and cater to their specific expectations has become an imperative need in order to fully benefit from the immense potential of the market.

The Sri Lankan industry needs to tailor its products and services to this emerging market and an important step in doing so is for the personnel involved in the industry to understand the traveller, their needs and their customs. It is important for the persons involved in the industry to sensitise themselves and service attitudes to cater to these travellers.

The workshop conducted by Prof. Wolfgang provided invaluable insights in to the mindset of the Chinese tourist and their expectations. He highlighted the emerging trends of the global travel industry and the need to adapt products and services to these new concepts.

The participants from among the membership of the Kandy Hoteliers Association and The Regional Economic Development Agency were able to interact closely with this world renowned trainer and truly benefit from his vast experience in this market. 

Mahaweli Reach is proud to have been able to organise this event along with a speaker of Prof. Wolfgang’s experience in order to assist fellow hoteliers to better understand this market which is crucial for the growth of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. As a pioneer in the field, Mahaweli Reach has always attempted to introduce new innovations and service standards in order to ensure that visitors to Sri Lanka have a positive experience and it is hoped that this exercise will assist all participants in the tourism industry of the Central Province to boost the image of our nation by providing a memorable experience to the Chinese guests who will in turn become ambassadors who promote the unique product which Sri Lanka has to offer.