(File photo)

A survey recently showed New Zealand hotels need to up their services to attract more Chinese tourists, according to New Zealand Herald.

The survey released by Hotels.com said more in-house Mandarin speaking staff should be hired as only 17% of the hotels can provide Mandarin service and only 8% were considered by Chinese.

Payment services Union Pay and Alipay were also recommended. Data shows most of the hotels do not accept Union Pay and only 12% support Alipay. Eighteen percent intend to provide such services in next 12 months.

What’s more, Chinese tourists prefer hotels that offer free Wi-Fi service but most of the hotels charge for it.

Rosa, a manager of a local hotel, said that hoteliers are adapting to the needs of Chinese tourists, such as by providing Chinese TV channels, Chinese-style breakfasts, and translated travel guides in the reception area. “We want to make them feel at home,” said Rosa.

The report revealed that about 400,000 Chinese travelled to New Zealand in 2016. Shopping is being replaced by dining, sightseeing, and relaxation activities.

According to the China’s consulate-general in Auckland, New Zealand, about 150 airplanes fly between China and Auckland each week. Hong Kong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines have most recently opened routes to the city.

“Chinese travelers are New Zealand’s second largest inbound tourist source”, said David Spasovic, Hotels.com marketing manager for Australia and New Zealand.