As the flow of tourism dollars into New Zealand from the East increases, the Tourism Industry Association has produced two booklets to help tourism operators better understand and cater for this emerging market.
Association chief executive Martin Snedden said on Friday visitors from China and India had different needs and expectations in service, food and shopping compared with New Zealand's traditional Australian, British and American visitors.
"The China and India Cultural Briefs, providing practical tips and information, are a basic but useful starting point to help businesses deliver an outstanding visitor experience, which will encourage these travellers to stay longer, spend more and tell their friends and families that New Zealand is a fantastic destination," Mr Snedden said in a statement.
The booklets highlighted cultural differences which operators might consider, such as providing later meal times for Indian visitors, who also like to shop after dinner.
The concept of "face" was important to the Chinese and the brief highlighted what to do to recognise their status.
Chinese visitors were very discerning about customer service, expecting fast, personalised attention.
The cultural briefs recognised opportunities to capture a bigger share of the Chinese and Indian markets, such as couple-based day spas and other romantic options to appeal to Indian honeymooners and flexibility in pricing to allow for the Chinese love of bargaining.
Both nationalities wanted to eat food they were familiar with, but were also keen to experience New Zealand cuisine, as long as it was explained to them.
Produced with the support of Auckland Airport, the booklets were distributed free to the association's 1500 members and can be purchased by non-members or are available the association's website.
