Marbella Aims to Attract Wealthy Chinese Tourists
Marbella, a town on the Costa del Sol, is setting its sights on attracting more Chinese tourists with high purchasing power. The town is set to host the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) conference in November next year, a move that is expected to boost its appeal to this lucrative market.
Mayor Welcomes Beijing Delegation
In preparation for the WTCF’s 25th annual fair, Marbella’s mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, has welcomed a delegation from Beijing. The mayor highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it’s the first time a Spanish town will host the international summit. She anticipates a positive impact on the local economy and a boost in visitor numbers from various markets in the short to medium term.
Chinese Market Holds Potential for Marbella
Muñoz underscored the importance of the Chinese market for Marbella, where approximately 10,000 Chinese tourists visit Andalucía annually. These tourists are known for their high purchasing power and longer average stays compared to visitors from other countries. The mayor expects the popularity of Marbella among Chinese tourists to grow, especially with Air China’s plan to offer three direct flights a week throughout the year from Beijing and Shanghai to Malaga, Seville, or Granada.
Preparations Underway for WTCF Conference
More than a year ahead of the conference, Marbella is already gearing up for the event. The mayor described the conference as a “magnificent platform” that will significantly enhance the town’s promotion. She emphasized the town’s commitment to ensuring the event’s success, noting that planning meetings have been ongoing for over a year.
Marbella: A Consolidated Destination in Europe
Bo Chen, the director of the WTCF, affirmed Marbella’s status as a well-established destination in Europe. He noted the steady increase in visitor numbers and spending, which has prompted many tourism officials in various destinations to focus on the Asian market.
Chinese Tourists: A Market for Luxury
Chinese tourists are known for their high purchasing power and preference for luxury. They are particularly fond of leading fashion and jewellery brands, often allocating a significant portion of their travel budget to high-end items. This trend has prompted many shops in Spain’s major cities to offer services in Mandarin and payment methods popular in China.
