The "2019 Travel Competitiveness Report" released by the World Economic Forum shows that Spain has been rated as a highly competitive travel destination among 140 countries, thanks to its beautiful coastline, unique cuisine, and cultural advantages. This marks the third consecutive year that Spain has achieved such results. It is reported that the Spanish government, recognizing its strong tourism competitiveness, has begun to consider transforming tourism resources to design special travel plans for Chinese tourists, warmly welcoming their arrival.
Mobile Payment for Chinese Tourists
According to a report by Spain's El País, in June this year, the Chinese payment platform WeChat partnered with Spain's BBVA Bank to support consumers using WeChat Pay at the Dufry duty-free shop in Madrid Airport, allowing Chinese travelers to enjoy its convenience while traveling abroad.
Not only at major places like Spanish airports, but even local taxis have started offering Alipay services. Starting in July, to provide more convenience for Chinese tourists, Madrid's Tele Taxi has enabled Alipay and WeChat Pay functions. After the trip, a QR code will be displayed on the screen in the car, allowing passengers to make payments by scanning the code.
Localized Chinese Services
Spain will actively collaborate with Chinese online platforms such as WeChat and Weibo to launch Chinese expansion applications and services. Currently, well-known attractions such as the Prado Museum and the Sagrada Familia have introduced Chinese brochures and audio guides. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid has received positive feedback from Chinese tourists for its own WeChat account, which includes services such as introductions, routes, ticket bookings, and artwork guides. Additionally, Spanish airports and famous attractions are also promoting Chinese signage, and duty-free shops frequently visited by Chinese tourists display Chinese posters.
A "Home Away from Home" Travel Experience
To better serve Chinese tourists, El Mundo has listed several characteristics of Chinese tourists and suggested that the Spanish tourism department provide targeted services.
For example, when a Chinese tourist gives you a gift, do not open it immediately; Chinese people do not like to receive business cards and travel brochures with one hand, as they consider it impolite; Chinese tourists prefer not to have room numbers containing the number "4," as it is considered unlucky, and many hotels even label the "4th floor" as the "5th floor." Conversely, if the room number is "888," they will find it particularly auspicious; Chinese tourists prefer to drink hot water and are not fond of cheese and other dairy products, favoring aesthetically pleasing food.
Additionally, Madrid-Barajas Airport's T1 and T4 terminals and Barcelona-El Prat Airport's T1 and T2 terminals plan to provide 24-hour hot water services and sell instant noodles to facilitate Chinese tourists in drinking hot water and eating instant noodles at any time. Vending machines near the boarding gates will also feature snacks from different countries and regions, with Chinese chili sauce successfully entering the duty-free shops at Spanish airports.
"We must create an impression in the minds of Chinese tourists that they can buy their favorite luxury goods at Spanish airports, enjoy the food they like, and find many products they prefer," said an economist from the Spanish airport management authority.
These two Spanish airports will employ three major strategies:
1. Build more Chinese restaurants
2. Build more luxury stores
3. Establish public platforms such as WeChat and Weibo
The series of measures taken by the Spanish government to welcome Chinese tourists indicates that the experience for Chinese visitors to Spain will continue to improve. What are you waiting for?
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