Targeting one of Israel’s fastest growing niche markets.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – China is one of Israel’s fastest growing niche markets, showing a 30% growth in 2014 over the previous year. In an effort to capture a major share of this growing market, Crowne Plaza is the first Israeli hotel chain to roll out a “China Ready Guest Experience.”
The Crowne Plaza Israel brand has already begun to implement its China Ready Guest Experience at its Tel Aviv City Center property, located in Azrieli Center. The plan is to be “China ready” in four of its major five -star properties, including the Tel Aviv City Center, Tel Aviv Beach, Jerusalem and Haifa by September, 2015.
Shai Asia, Executive Vice President, Crowne Plaza /Holiday Inn Israel, said “we realize that in order to ensure that our Chinese guests experience fully the Crowne Plaza five-star facilities, amenities, and the warm hospitality that Crowne Plaza Israel is known for, we must speak their language, understand their culture, and make them feel comfortable.” Asia added, “We want their guest experience with us to be the best, as we are very aware of the fact that word of mouth recommendations play a key role in influencing travel decisions in the Chinese market.”
The Crowne Plaza Israel China Guest Experience focuses on all the touch points starting from a Mandarin speaking greeter at the check-in. Some of the basic room amenities for Chinese guests will include a choice of two Chinese teas as part of the mini-bar, as well as two Mandarin TV channels as part of the in room entertainment.
The food and beverage areas are probably one of the key focuses of the China Ready
Guest Experience, making available appropriate Chinese food at all the food outlets in the Hotels. The Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv City Center has already incorporated a complete Chinese Buffet menu for breakfast.
The check in experience of course also must be handled in Mandarin unless a guest has indicated that he/she prefers English. Crowne Plaza Israel expects to have at least one Mandarin speaking staff in each of the four hotels, on site during prime check in hours and available by phone 24 hours a day.
Asia noted that within the next few months, Crowne Plaza Israel should be able to accept payment with UnionPay, the Credit Card most commonly used by the Chinese travelers in the China Ready designated properties.
Photo caption: Chinese Breakfast Buffet at Crowne PlazaTel Aviv City Center.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
