EDUCATIONAL TOUR FOR CHINESE MARKET BRINGS IN STAFF FROM LEADING OPERATOR
(Posted 11th March 2015)
Representatives of China’s first online travel agency are presently on Reunion Island to see for themselves what the hype about the destination is all about and that indeed the marketing slogans and advertising promises are for real.
Tuniu was launched in 2006 and with internet penetration and use rocketing across China have many tech savvy young people taken to use the online travel agency to search for destinations and make their bookings.
IRT, Ile de la Reunion Tourism pulled out all the stops and showcased over the last three days, the group will be flying back to China today, all the attractions on offer. From marine excursions to helicopter flights over the island’s active volcano to drives up the winding roads into the interior to discover what life up in the mountains is like, the group saw it all. Visits to see how vanilla and sugar cane is processed made way to experiencing the unique Creole cuisine the island has to offer.
Said a communique received from St. Denis about the purpose of the invitational tour:
Objective: to integrate the island of Reunion in their, Tunia’s programming
Reunion’s charm has impressed previous Chinese visitors who praise its nature, its landscapes, its climate and its Creole culture. In an effort to diversify its tourist clientele , the destination has obtained, with the French Government, the exemption of visas for Chinese travelers wishing to visit the island. This is for the Région Réunion and the Reunion Island Tourism (IRT), to work together to achieve a common goal: to have more Chinese visitors come to the island.
Tuniu, one of the leading tour operators in the Chinese market
Currently Tuniu offers a variety of packages and products and services related to travel. Their services cover 120 locations and link 95 Chinese cities. all with major domestic and international airports, to the world. Recognized in the leisure travel market, the brand has gained the confidence of the Chinese traveler and counts more than 250,000 organized tours participants and more than 200,000 independent travellers.
Tuniu’s products have been made ??popular through a communication-based social networks like WeChat or Weibo, in order to maintain relationships between travelers and the tour operator and create brand loyalty.
Connections from China to Reunion are presently possible with Air Mauritius, with Air Austral via Bangkok and soon with a new codeshared flight operated by home airline Air Austral in conjunction with Air Madagascar.
For more information about Destination Reunion click on www.reunion.fr
