The new offerings reflect ongoing efforts to meet the ever-changing demands of outbound Chinese travellers, shifting from the popular scenic and shopping routes to itineraries that are more thematic and in-depth.
In a mutual partnership with the representative office in China for the French horse industry, LeCheval, Ctrip is now providing Chinese tourists with a range of different equestrian travel packages and DIY tour packages to France.
The new offerings reflect ongoing efforts to meet the ever-changing demands of outbound Chinese travellers, shifting from the popular scenic and shopping routes to itineraries that are more thematic and in-depth.
With Chinese tourists expected to make 5.5 million trips to Europe by the end of 2017, the continent will be the fastest growing destination in China's outbound market this year. According to a joint report released by Ctrip, the China Tourism Academy and Huayuan MNB, the first half of this year saw a 65% growth in the number of visits made by Chinese tourists. Ctrip's data shows a 45% increase in number of visitors to France between 2015 and 2016.
Customers can select travel packages or individual events which range from horse races to dinner parties to horse rides in various settings and locations throughout France. As the only travel agent who now offers such a service, Ctrip has targeted the huge growth potential for equestrian tourism, citing the 1,000 plus equestrian clubs in China as evidence that the country would be interested in such offerings.
"France's rich culture offers a wealth of new tour activities and packages for Chinese travellers. Ctrip's global coverage not only provides travellers with unique and tailor-made experiences but also allows Ctrip to remain a leading provider in emerging travel products and services,” said Yang Lei, executive president of Ctrip's vacation department.