Last year, 106,000 Chinese tourists spent over AU$60 million on the Gold Coast, exhibiting growth of 15 percent for the tourism hot spot, compared to Chinese visitation to Australia which grew by a relatively subdued 2.8 percent over the same period.

Gold Coast Tourism (GCT), who released the figures, said it was not alone in recognising the business and tourism potential of China, and was one of the few Australian tourism agencies preparing the local industry to maximise the opportunity.

As parts of its preparations, GCT will bring together dozens of front-line tourism staff for a workshop on Chinese Culture and Customer Service, to heighten cultural intelligence of Chinese social customs and nuances. This builds on the recent Chinese Culture and Business workshop attended by 30 staff from various Gold Coast businesses seeking to better their trade relationships with China.

"It is one thing to increase Chinese visitor numbers, it is another thing to develop a prosperous and sustainable market," GCT Marketing Manager - China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, John Chan said.

"We need to break down barriers between Gold Coast businesses and our Chinese visitors and tourism distribution partners. Our ability to raise the Gold Coast's profile in China and attract a larger quantity and quality of Chinese tourists is as much about Gold Coast businesses being able to effectively engage the market as it is about destination brand marketing.

"If Gold Coast Tourism can help foster an awareness and appreciation amongst local tourism businesses for how best to interact with both Chinese tourism businesses and consumers, then without doubt we have a far greater chance of achieving more lasting and sustainable tourism growth for the Gold Coast."

GCT provided three introductory tips at its Chinese Culture and Business Workshop, for starting on the right foot in Chinese business:

• Chinese people focus on building a sincere relationship before negotiating business deals. In initial meetings share information about your business, your culture and your community.
• Respect China's long history of practising business. Meetings and negotiations are much more successful when a mutual respect is displayed.
• Learn to say hello in Chinese (Mandarin) properly. A warm greeting in Chinese shows your potential as a business partner and the effort you make will be very well regarded. Hello in Mandarin is 'ni hao'.