Chinese tourists are famous for their spending capability, but now things are changing, not in terms of their ability. It's about what they buy.
Dubbed walking wallets, Chinese tourists flood into shopping malls in France armed with cash and credit cards.
French authorities say 2 million Chinese tourists visited France in 2015, 500,000 more than the previous year. And on average, each Chinese tourist spend over 5,000 euros in France. Forty-seven percent of their spending went on shopping.
That's why French shopping malls, both in the city center or in suburb areas, all love Chinese tourists.
"Chinese tourists are our largest group of customers among foreign tourists," said Thierry Vannier from Galeries Lafayette.
"Last year, we received many Chinese customers. Our turnover increased by 40 percent,"
"Chinese tourists became our biggest customer in terms of tax return," said Marisa Minelli from La Vallee Village. And Chinese consumers are changing shopping tastes.
"If I have to say the differences between Chinese customers' shopping habits from before and now, I'd say that their tastes are getting better, and they know fashion better,"
"They'd spend much more time on choosing their favourite items," said Vannier.
Luxury brands are no longer top of Chinese tourists' shopping list. Now consumption of niche brands and medium-priced products hits record highs.
And spending on shopping, compared to consumption of accommodation and catering, is shrinking.
"I think that's because Chinese tourists are getting more rational about spending. They're more into relaxation and entertainment, not just spending," said Wei Zhihong, General Manager of European Division of Unionpay Int'l Ltd. Co..
Chinese tourists are still the biggest buyers in the world, but not just for goods anymore. Now they spend more on their experiences while on holiday.
