“Bottom fishing” maybe the most used “Keyword” in describing what’s happening to businesses such as the stock market and real estate, or even for the travel industry globally.  Looking for business opportunities among discount travelers is especially important ever since the start of the global economic crisis.  However, stimulated by deep discounts and the continuously falling foreign currency exchange rate, many Chinese consumers are considering this year to be a good time to travel abroad.  So, it might be a good idea for the travel industry to go trolling for high end travelers rather than using drift nets to fish for schools of sardines.  According to a recent World Tourism Report (released at the Berlin Tourism Fair), China’s outbound tourism business is actually expected to grow in 2009.

China Polling has conducted a nationwide online International Travel survey to try to understand what Chinese consumer travel plans are and what the outbound tourism travel will be like this year.  The 133 panelists surveyed since last quarter of 2008, 28.2% said they have traveled once in the last year, another 28% traveled twice and 27% have traveled more than twice last year.  Among all, 29% have visited foreign countries before and an overwhelming 96.4% plan to travel abroad in the future.
More »

While current economic conditions are deteriorating around the world, consumer confidence is at a new low and hitting its lowest point in recent years for the once mighty economies such as U.S., Europe and Japan. China is now being regarded as having the least affected economy compare to the rest of the world. What about China consumers’ confidence level? Will consumer behaviors and life styles change because of the world-wide economic downturn? Is China the exception in this global economic downturn? What are the important influencing factors for Chinese consumers now when making major purchases and investments? Since consumer confidence is one of the leading factors to any economic recovery it’s important that we understand if consumers are continuing to spend and consume in China. What sectors will fare the best in this climate of uncertainty? China Polling has launched a national tracking survey to help marketers to gain a closer look at the consumer behaviors under the current stresses.

More »

2009, is the year of 3G in China.  With the issuance of official 3G licenses, three local telecom giants China Mobile (TD-SCDMA), China Unicom (WCDMA) and China Telecom (CDMA2000) are all now geared up to roll out the massive development plan for local 3G services.  The growing demand for 3G phones and rising competition are all main drivers for a promising future for 3G phones manufacturers.  However, the stability of signals, costs of using 3G services and which new 3G handset to buy are just some of the key concerns voiced by consumers.  What are consumers’ perceptions toward 3G?  What are the key factors that will most likely influence their purchase decisions?  And, what are their level of interest in buying a 3G phone?  China Polling has launched a national survey to help us to understand all of the above questions and much more.

More »