Becoming China Ready

Glacier Country offers workshops to give businesses the tools to cater to Chinese tourists 

Have you been been noticing an increase of travelers from the Pacific Rim? China is one of the key markets for Brand USA and the organization is projecting that China could become the largest source market for travel to the U.S. within three years.

Here in Western Montana, we are seeing an increase of Chinese travelers to our region and in anticipation of this market's growth, Glacier Country Tourism is hosting two business-to-business workshops—one in Kalispell and one in Missoula—that will focus on learning how to host Chinese travelers in an efficient and intelligent manner.

Both workshops will feature well-respected specialist, Mr. Bob Gilbert of China Host. Mr. Gilbert is well-versed in the Chinese market and will provide insights into when the Chinese travelers are visiting, cultural differences and the redefining of hotel amenities. Following his presentation, we'll have a panel of experts that will share their first-person learnings about how to work with this market, as well as information on how we're currently marketing to international visitors.

Panelists include:

• Rick Hoeninghausen, Director of Sales and Marketing for Yellowstone National Park Lodges

• Marlee Iverson, International Travel Trade Manager for Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

• Debbie Picard, Tourism Sales Manager for Glacier Country Tourism

Locations + Dates: Kalispell, November 2; Missoula, November 3
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person before 10/21, $15 per person after 10/21 (lunch included)

For workshop information, contact:
Debbie Picard, debbie@glaciermt.com or 406.532.3231

For registration assistance, contact:
Nicole Gonzalez, nicole@glaciermt.com or 406.541.3138