Galen Zhang is the deputy director of China CYTS economics headquarters and the general managing director for China CYTS business travel international. Zhang is responsible for the daily management of China CYTS economics headquarters, and is in charge of China CYTS international business travel.
What criteria do you use when selecting a venue for clients?
Price, brand and location.
In your opinion what deficiencies are there in hotel promotion websites?
Unlike air tickets systems, the hotel industry has no GDS support, which can standardize prices like the cash payment at the front desk; offer prepayment facilities, and give availability information online like checking room status at any time. These problems even occur within a single hotel group. All this inconvenience results in more transactions and increased costs.
What problems do you meet when using Chinese hotel reservation systems? Do you have any suggestions for improvements?
We need clear and timely information on rate changes and accurate information on availability. Availability information is always split by internal sales systems so rooms cannot be distributed freely and flexibly.
What trends do you expect for your frequent travelers in the next five years? And where are they from?
The number of travelers from the North Europe and Australia keeps on going up.
Many people worry about too many hotels being constructed before the 2008 Olympics. What do you anticipate for the hotel Industry after 2008?
Business brought in by the Olympics will not decline immediately. At the same time, Beijing is still the first destination for the inbound tour market and MICE. With the diversity and rapid growth of visitors, hotels and the air Industry will be running at full capacity for sometime to come.
As a professional buyer on hotel on-line booking, what would you like to say to hotel GMs and marketing directors?
Rates and room allotment are unbalanced all the time. A fair rate at the peak season can get the support of genuine frequent buyers. A long term balanced rate strategy is a precondition for maintaining clients' loyalty. The market can not change in one day, it keeps on warming up.
Could you recommend your eight favorite hotels?
Sofitel On Renmin Square Xian, Hyatt Regency Xian, The Westin Beijing, Financial Street, Best Western Premier Beijing, Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, Jinling Hotel Nanjing, Super 8 Hotel, Home Inns' Hotel
Could you recommend MICE destination for other hotel buyers?
Beijing: a historic city, it's the seat of government, the opportunity for business, convenience of travel, and its MICE facilities.
Shanghai: for its international business opportunities, access to the Yangtze business area, good MICE reception facilities, and convenience of international travel.
Hainan: known for its wonderful scenic areas, leisure resources and good MICE reception facilities.
What inbound and outbound travel plans do you have in the near future?
Inbound: Hainan and Xingjian – unique tourist sites and convenient travel facilities
Outbound: North Europe & Australia beautiful tourist sites, safe diverse facilities, and a comfortable climate (especially in the summer).