After taking a recession-inspired hit in 2008, the number of tourists coming to the US from China is expected to increase this year. New York City’s marketing and tourism group, NYC & Company, has projected a 20 percent increase in travel from China in 2010. This would bring the amount of Chinese travels slightly above pre-recession numbers. Many New York City hotels are preparing for this increase by including amenities that will attract Chinese businesspersons and tourists.

Most of the changes focus on food and language. Including common Chinese dishes at hotel restaurants and room services should help attract people who find vegetable dumplings more appealing than French toast at breakfast. Some hotels also plan to offer in-room tea kettles. Including Chinese language cards with foods also helps visitors order the options that they prefer.

Language-based changes could also include hiring staff members fluent in Mandarin and other Chinese tongues. Using these staff members as translators will help Chinese visitors receive improved services from the hotels.

The majority of travelers coming to the United States from China are businesspersons, not tourists. The number of those coming for vacation, however, is beginning to increase. As the Chinese middle class continues to grow, hotels in popular US destinations like New York City should receive more business from Chinese clients. The number of tourists coming from China to the US has also increased because of an agreement signed two years ago that made it easier for individuals to travel between the countries.

(Image via: Frugal Cuisine)