“China now has the facilities, infrastructure, and all other necessary means for high-end luxury travel, yet what is still lacking are the quality standards,” says Janko Kosi, Marketing Director at Ambassador Concierge . A concierge company based in USA, Ambassador Concierge focuses on delivering high-end travel assistance and concierge services to foreign business travelers and VIPs visiting China
With more than 25 years of experience in the luxury travel industry, this team of expats and experienced Chinese locals trained in US has recognized the need for higher quality standards throughout the Chinese travel market. “In the past, foreign clients came to China with certain expectations. However, more often than not, they would leave feeling unsatisfied with the quality of service. GAC endeavors to keep on par with China’s staggering progress, by offering foreign visitors equally impressive international service standards”, he adds.
China is feeling the effects of the global financial crisis, and according to Wang Zhifa, Deputy Director of the China National Tourism Administration, “…inbound tourism has shrunk by more than 30 percent.” Statistics also show that the number of foreign visitors to China decreased in the last three quarters of 2008, as well as falling a drastic 6 percent in September, compared with the same period in 2007.
Mr. Kosi points out, "Due to China's increased popularity abroad, there is no doubt by anyone that travelers are interested in visiting China, even though current stats don't necessarily prove this. It's commonly believed that over time when things begin stabilizing on the international financial front, assuming that nothing catastrophic happens domestically, China will continue to top the list of most sought out luxury travel destinations.”
In spite of gloomy predictions, Ambassador Concierge has noticed an increase in marketing activity by local travel companies, as well as tougher competition for fewer numbers of clients. “As can be expected, Chinese companies have recognized the market opportunity, and have stepped up their game. This is also why so many travel companies are sprouting up all over the internet; often creating the façade of being tried and tested." added Mr. Kosi.
By hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, China stunned the world with the progress made over the last few years. Never before had the world witnessed such dedication and exemplary organization of the Olympic Games. However, progress is not measured solely by the quantity of polished structures, architectural marvels, and efficient transportation solutions. While it’s common in China to raise sixty storied skyscrapers in what seems like a matter of months, providing international service standard proved to be much harder. Companies and organizations like Ambassador Concierge managed to achieve that goal.
China has showed a new face to the world, and world sees it in a new light. Newly build luxurious shopping malls, state of the art sport venues and high end hotels somehow clashed with romanticized views of traditional China, so often portrayed in the West.
“We’re simply here to make sure our clients get the best possible treatment. We hope China will soon increase its level of professionalism in service. And Ambassador Concierge will be there, to raise the bar again,” stated Janko Kosi boldly.
