WORLD - At the WTM Vision Conference Shanghai, 10 May, delegates were told that in order to attract Chinese tourists a hassle-free visa application needs to be considered. A quick, easy and accessible visa application process is vital for Chinese travellers when deciding their next overseas destination, the conference heard.

Due to high spending habits of the Chinese tourists, destinations are desperate to increase the number of Chinese visitors. Euromonitor International China Travel and Tourism Analyst Ray Li predicted that Chinese tourists will spend an estimated US $36bn on shopping when overseas in 2016, double the amount spent in 2011.

According to CEO of TUI Travel China, Marcel Schneider, destinations wanting to attract this growng market "need to be willing to invest money, HR and time to develop the destination in order to meet the Chinese market's expectations".

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director for WTM, Simon Press, who opened WTM Conference Vision, said: "WTM Vision Conference Shanghai offered a fascinating insight to the Chinese tourism industry. Chinese tourists are in high demand due to their high spending patterns, and delegates heard the secrets to attracting a high number of visitors from China."

The final event in the WTM Vision Conference series takes place on 18 May in Florence.

Do you have a news story for CMW? Email: zvernor@mashmedia.net