Chinese look for luxury

A survey shows Chinese travellers like a city break when they are on holiday. Photo / Kenny Rodger

A global survey has found Chinese tourists are more likely to seek luxury for their holidays.

The Visa Global Travel Intentions Study surveyed 12,631 travellers and found they are more likely to travel on business class - 22 per cent against the global average of 9 per cent - and more likely to stay at four-star and above hotels - 50 per cent against the global average of 39 per cent.

When Chinese tourists arrive at their destination, they spend 24 per cent of their money on activities and 19 per cent on dining, compared to 21 per cent and 24 per cent for the average global traveller respectively.

Chinese travellers look for travel destinations that allow them to spend time with family and friends, and for a city break, the study found.

Compared to other travellers they are less likely to be attracted by the culture and heritage of destinations with 8 per cent of Chinese tourists going on holiday to see cultural and heritage sites, versus 20 per cent of the overall sample.

China is now New Zealand's second biggest source of visitors behind Australia and the survey found that 2 per cent of Chinese respondents were "most likely" to travel to New Zealand in the next year.

The survey was conducted between November and December last year.

It was based on online and offline surveys with 12,631 travellers aged 18 and over, across 25 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

There were 103 interviews conducted with people who had visited New Zealand for their most recent leisure trip.