China will become a “global powerhouse” for the travel industry, according to the head of Coca Cola in the country, while the head of one of China’s biggest travel groups believes the country will “change the pattern of the industry”.
David Brooks, chairman of Coca Cola Greater China, told the World Travel and Tourism Council Summit: “We believe China will overcome its challenges to create the next global powerhouse for travel and tourism.”
However, Brooks said: “You can’t simply take the big numbers and think you are going to get rich. China has grown the way it has primarily because of the policy and investment of the government.
“The opportunity is real. The difference is going to be the emergence of an upper middle class.”
Chen Feng, HNA Group chairman, said: “Chinese tourism development is still in the early stages.
“There are problems, but Chinese people are very smart and can learn very fast. China can become the best destination in the world.
“China will become a big economic and cultural power and China will change the pattern of the global travel and tourism industry. It will have a huge impact on this industry.”
Clement Kwok, managing director and chief executive of luxury hotel operator Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, argued: “China will become a leader, not a follower, in establishing new standards in luxury.”
Edouard Ettedgui, chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, emphasised “the speed with which taste is changing” in China.
He said: “It is not limited to the higher echelons of society.”