In This Summer, Utilize Chinese Influencer Marketing to Crack the Code for Hospitality & Travel Industry

In today’s digital marketing landscape, KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) are a powerful force, especially in China. From travel vloggers to lifestyle bloggers, high quality KOL content does more than boost visibility, it drives conversions and measurable results.

Why Are KOLs So Important for the Hospitality & Travel Industry?

For your Hospitality/Travel brand, KOLs are more than content creators. They are a bridge connecting Chinese travelers with your destination.

• 83% of Chinese travelers find travel inspiration on platforms like RedNote, Douyin, and WeChat. Today’s younger generation prefers travelling with their own plan over group tours. They often plan their trips a week or more in advance—and KOL posts are often their first stop for research.

• Authenticity beats ads. Travelers trust authentic recommendations and UGC (User Generated Content) shared by influencers they trust, rather than ads.

• Reach the right audience with the right voice. Luxury hotels could attract high-end customers easily by working with lifestyle bloggers.

  
  

Not All Platforms Are the Same: Matching KOLs with the Right Channels

China’s social platforms vary widely in format, audience, and user behavior. To get results, it’s essential to understand where your ideal guests spend their time—and choose KOLs whose style fits your brand.

1. Douyin (Chinese TikTok): Viral Reach + Fast Conversions

Douyin runs on a powerful interest-based algorithm. Content that grabs attention in the first 3 seconds has a much higher chance of going viral and converting viewers into customers.

Your Ideal: Skilled in filming visually striking content, high audience engagement (likes, comments, shares).

2. RedNote: Trusted + Lifestyle KOLs

RED is where the young generation go for planning their trips. Its algorithm prioritizes high quality content that users collect for future reference.

Your Ideal KOLs: Creates high quality visuals, informative content and trusted by followers

3. WeChat: China's Super App for Retention & Conversion

With over 1.2 billion monthly users, WeChat offers a closed-loop ecosystem of WeChat Official Account, mini programs, WeChat video Channel, group chats, and in-app payment system.

Your Ideal KOLs: Able to work on long-term campaigns, engaged in ongoing user interaction, owns a strong community with loyal, active fan bases.

Want to use KOL marketing to tap into the Chinese outbound travel market? Here’s a 5-step guide to make sure every dollar delivers results:

• 🎯Define clear goals: Are you aiming to boost visibility, drive conversion rate, or collect quality UGC (user-generated content)? Your objective should align with the right KOL strategy and platform strategy.

• 🧩 Craft the right content mix: Combine short videos, RedNote posts, and even livestreams to hit the right targeted audiences.

• 📆 Plan your release schedule: Launch campaigns ahead of peak seasons like summer holidays or Chinese National Day holidays to stay top-of-mind.

• 📊 Track ROI: Set up tracking to measure clicks, bookings, and social engagement. Use the data to optimize future campaigns.

• 🔁 Repost KOL content: Use influencer content in paid ads and booking platforms like Ctrip for a consistent online-to-offline experience.

  
  

  

Think Long-Term: Why One-Off Campaigns Don’t Build Brand Loyalty

A single post may go viral—but it rarely leaves a lasting brand impression. Long-term partnerships allow KOLs to repeatedly promote your products and services, helping build recognition, trust, and bookings over time.

To build sustainable KOL relationships, try:

•  Creating a “brand ambassador” program with regular stays and event participation

•  Offering exclusive promo codes or booking links to track conversions

•  Reviewing campaign performance regularly and improve from feedbacks

  
  

Want to Attract and Keep Chinese Consumers Coming Back?

At Savor Multimedia, we help overseas hotels and travel brands design full-scale marketing strategies tailored for the Chinese market:

✅ Seamless payment integrations (WeChat Pay & Alipay) to boost conversions

 ✅ Official account & mini-program setup to anchor your brand on WeChat

 ✅ Full-service KOL campaign planning on Xiaohongshu & Douyin

 ✅ Multi-touchpoint exposure across pre-trip planning, during travel, and post-visit retention

Don't wait for Chinese tourists to discover you—go meet them where they are.

 📩 Contact Savor Multimedia today and let more Chinese travelers remember (and Rebook) your brand.

💬 If your brand is looking to expand in China, leave your WeChat ID or E-mail address on the comment section to get a FREE 30 minutes consultation for China strategy map for 100% FREE!