WeChat is undoubtedly one of China’s fastest growing social media platforms, with over 465 million users in China and 100 million throughout the rest of the globe. As a revolutionary communication tool, Tencent’s WeChat is changing the way we interact with not only friends and family but also customers, brands and the like. WeChat, which is known for its sometimes quirky but always innovative features, is now giving its users ultimate control in the form of the ability to control smart hotel rooms via mobile devices.
Last month at CES in Las Vegas, WeChat and Caesars Entertainment announced the launch of the first connected hotel suite in America. By simply scanning a QR code, hotel guests will be able to control a number of elements in their suite via the WeChat app. The app allows the guests to control certain facets such as lighting, sound, door locks, curtains, thermostats and even the coffee machine.
The app has the ability to truly tailor the experience to a specific individual by allowing the user to preset and adjust modes. For example, you are able to choose a night time or sleep mode, where you can pre-program the lights to dim, curtains to close and thermostat to be set at optimal sleeping temperature all via the app.
It’s crucial to know that this function, while available in both English and Mandarin, is predominantly aimed at outbound Chinese tourists. In 2013, nearly 300,000 visitors from Hong Kong and mainland China travelled to Las Vegas. It is expected that by 2021, Chinese tourists travelling to the US will be around 7 million, which will contribute roughly $85 billion per year to the US economy.
In 2014 alone, Chinese outbound tourists spent a record-breaking $164.8 billion overseas
In 2014 alone, Chinese outbound tourists spent a record-breaking $164.8 billion overseas. A report issued by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) estimates that the average Chinese tourist will spend, on average, RMB 20,000 per trip. In Hotel.com’s survey, ‘2014 Chinese International Travel Monitor’, it was noted that “language-related products and services” was ranked as one of the most important amenities that Chinese travellers want in international hotels, and remains the area in need of most improvement.
The smart hotel room is just another way technology is being integrated into daily life and connecting users in a practical way. More importantly, it’s outlining the important role that Chinese tourists have now assumed as an influential consumer with global impact.
MAILMAN PLAY
China’s outbound tourism industry is growing at a rapid pace. With unrivaled volume and steadily increasing purchasing power, it should come as no surprise that businesses worldwide are adapting their strategies to accomodate this burgeoning demographic.
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