Marketing Kouvola Region To Chinese Tourists Through Weibo

Abstract

The topic of the thesis was made based on previous working experience, three months internship in a travel agency in China. Kouvola region was chosen to be promoted to Chinese tourists as an ideal outbound traveling destination. Outbound traveling has gained its popularity in China. In order to boost the development of tourism and economy in Kouvola region or Finland, the Chinese tourism market has the significant effect. Another objective is the Chinese social media which is called Weibo. Weibo, one of the most welcomed social media in China, is an effective way to promote Kouvola region or Finland to Chinese tourists. Social media marketing is the main part of this thesis. Qualitative research was used to collect the data. There were several interviews done to collect the information through Skype and e-mail about Kouvola region or Finland as an ideal outbound traveling destination form Chinese tourists’ views. The findings were to draw a Chinese tourists profile and find the best solution to market Kouvola region to Chinese tourists. Weibo, as one of the most powerful social media in China, is an excellent platform to promote Kouvola region to the Chinese tourists. All the tourism details of Kouvola region can be shared in the home page of Weibo to broadcast to the Chinese tourists. In addition, the interview result turned out well that the majority of interviewees they knew something about Finland and they would love to choose Finland or Kouvola region as outbound traveling destination. This year happens to be the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Finland. Thus, it is a precious opportunity to advertise Kouvola region or Finland to China. There is a bright future of developing tourism in Kouvola region, attracting an increasing number of Chinese tourists through Weibo.