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  5. How to target and reach the Chinese market

How to target and reach the Chinese market

5 minute read• Last updated: 28 July 2025

Chinese visitors are inspired to visit destinations that offer quality time and relaxation in areas of natural beauty. They also enjoy experiencing different cultures and trying something new, all of which Scotland can offer.

While the Chinese market is smaller in relation to Scotland’s other long-haul markets it still offers a great deal of potential value to businesses.

Read on for tips on how to create the right marketable product for these visitors and  increase your bookings.

In this article:

  • Catch up on our webinar on attracting Chinese visitors
  • Why should you target Chinese visitors?
  • What value could they bring to your business?
  • How can you capture their attention?
  • Where can you find the Chinese market?
  • Tips on reaching the Chinese market
  • Your next steps

Catch up on our webinar on attracting Chinese visitors

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Attracting the Chinese visitor

Learn about the motivations and travel behaviours of Chinese visitors to Scotland and how to tailor your offer to best meet their expectations.

Why should you target Chinese visitors?

Visitors enjoying The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience

© VisitScotland / Natalia Wrobel

  • In 2023, China was Scotland's fifth largest long-haul international market by number of visits (fourth by number of nights and by expenditure).
  • Chinese visitors took longer trips to Scotland in 2023 and spent more money while they were here.
  • In 2023 Chinese visitors accounted for 1% of all overseas visits to Scotland and 3% of all overseas spend in Scotland.

Review the visitor profile for the Chinese market.

What value could they bring to your business?

  • 58,000

    total number of visits by Chinese visitors to Scotland in 2023

  • 1.8 million

    total number of nights spent in Scotland by Chinese visitors in 2023

  • £117 million

    total spend by Chinese visitors to Scotland in 2023

  • 31.6

    average nights per visit by chinese visitors to Scotland in 2023

Source: IPS, 2023 (numbers have been rounded)

How can you capture their attention?

If you understand what Chinese visitors are looking for and when, you can tailor your products and marketing to better catch their eye and fulfil their needs.

  • What Chinese visitors want

    • quality time in natural beauty
    • experiences that improve physical and mental wellbeing
    • the chance to switch off
    • luxury and high-end retail
    • local products and produce
  • Why might they choose Scotland

    • landscapes and nature
    • history, heritage and culture
    • our people
    • food and drink
  • Where they plan to visit and stay

    • Scotland tends to be part of wider visit to the UK
    • Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Highlands and Loch Lomond  are popular destinations
    • areas easily accessed as part of an itinerary are also of interest
    • hotels tend to be the preferred form of accommodation

Where can you find the Chinese market?

  • Main resources used for inspiration and planning

    • social media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat and Red
    • online travel agents (OTAs) such as CTrip and Fliggy
    • travel review websites
  • Main resources used for booking

    • 58% use OTAs
    • 34% use tour operators

Tips on reaching the Chinese market

  • Dial up how your product covers the motivating themes

    How is your business connected, for example, to landscapes and nature or history and culture? Perhaps you have connections with royalty, celebrities or film and TV you can capitalise on? 

    Many Chinese visitors will visit Scotland as part of an overall visit to the UK, so highlighting key Scottish icons and experiences perceived to be classically Scottish, such as bagpipes, kilts, whisky, castles, etc is always well received.

  • Create a new product

    If you don’t currently cover these topics enough, could you create something new or expand your current product?

    Chinese visitors love local delicacies. Hands-on experiences such as bottling your own drink, or making your own Scottish delicacy are very popular – is this something you can offer or is there an opportunity to partner with a local food and drink businesses?

    Remember to check if you do partner up, to follow the package travel regulations. 

  • Deliver quality in every interaction

    Most Chinese visitors speak Mandarin and may speak English. Whilst not expected, offering a bilingual service such as translated information, can enhance their experience. They also use internet and social media a lot, so they are likely to expect a Wi-Fi connection.

    Visitors from China can expect high standards. Read more about how to set your standards and provide an excellent on-site experience.

  • Talk about what else is nearby

    You might not cover the key themes directly, but maybe you’re right next door to a whisky distillery, a beautiful loch or an historic site, making you the perfect place to stop after.

  • Provide practical travel information

    List the nearest train station, bus stop and bus routes to help people get around and provide parking with electric charge points. You should also find out and share where the nearest walking and cycling routes are.

  • Include your sustainability

    Chinese visitors can be responsive to responsible tourism practices. Highlight your sustainable practices and go into some detail on how this supports the local community, and how the money is going to local suppliers.

Your next steps

ETAG - Unpack China

A series of short films and resources to help your business welcome Chinese visitors and explore opportunities with the Chinese market.

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