"Chinese Hospitality Staff Must Learn English... International TV Also Connected"

Published 13 Mar.2024 09:34(KST)

China Hotel Association Presents Proposal to Promote Service

The China Hotel Association has urged employees of domestic lodging businesses to learn English in order to provide appropriate services to foreign tourists.

According to China's Pengpai News on the 12th, the association announced a proposal to promote lodging services for foreigners, stating this. The association emphasized, "Chinese lodging companies should promote integration with international standards, optimize management of overseas reservation channels, and facilitate the use of foreign cards."

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

In particular, to improve communication issues that have long been cited as major difficulties for foreigners traveling in China along with payment, they argued that employees should receive English education. The association explained in the proposal, "Training in English conversation, reception services, and overseas customs for service staff should be strengthened," adding, "International phone lines and international TV channels should be established, and English ordering services should be provided alongside Chinese."

It also specified that foreign guests should not be refused without reason. Since foreigners must go through a registration process when staying in China, hotels and guesthouses with inadequate related systems and facilities do not accept foreign tourists.

Earlier, the State Council of China announced the 'Opinions on Optimizing Payment Services and Enhancing Convenience,' stating that it would significantly improve payment convenience for foreigners in China. It announced that instead of mobile payments, which caused inconvenience without a local phone number or bank account, credit card and cash payments would be made hassle-free.

This decision is interpreted as aiming to improve demand through the influx of foreign tourists amid a recent sluggish trend in domestic consumption in China. The Chinese government has set this year's gross domestic product (GDP) growth target at around 5.0%, the same as last year. Since there is no expectation of a base effect and domestic demand remains weak, this target is considered somewhat difficult to achieve.