5 Reasons Why the Chinese Excellence Academy is a Must-Do Course for Travel Retail

By Marco Passoni

Last week, we had the privilege of presenting the Chinese Excellence Academy to numerous potential clients during the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, and the interest exceeded all our expectations.

Following on from the successful launch of our Chinese Client Excellence workshop last month, this dedicated e-learning course was designed to support sales staff from airports, operators, and brands in creating memorable and valuable experiences for Chinese customers. Crafted to offer an on-demand platform, in comparison to the Chinese Client Excellence’s in-person approach, the Chinese Excellence Academy delivers all the insights, understandings and techniques needed by frontline staff in the modern travel retail sector.

But what really makes this course so special? Let’s explore the 5 reasons why the Chinese Excellence Academy is a winning choice for those looking to make a difference in this sector.

 

  1. Understanding the Chinese Customer Like Never Before

The Chinese consumer has a unique set of preferences and habits. From seeking exclusive products to being sensitive to service quality, it is crucial that staff fully understand these nuances in order to turn a casual visitor into a loyal and satisfied customer. The Chinese Excellence Academy equips sales staff with the keys to decoding these cultural differences and leveraging them to their advantage. The course, developed by experts with in-depth knowledge of both European and Chinese contexts, goes beyond simple theory, providing practical and immediately applicable tools.

 

  1. Practical and Interactive Training, Accessible Anywhere

Who hasn’t attended training sessions that felt heavy and theoretical? The Chinese Excellence Academy is different. It is designed to be engaging, practical, and interactive. With real-life scenarios, quizzes, and simulations, the course allows you to learn by doing. And the best part? It’s available online, on-demand. Whether you’re at the airport, in the office, or at home, you can access the course content anytime, integrating new skills into your daily work with ease. It’s the perfect solution for those with a busy lifestyle who still want to grow professionally.

 

  1. Tailored Sales Techniques with Intercultural Communication

The Chinese customer is different from the Western customer, not only in purchasing preferences but also in the way they communicate and perceive service. For this reason, the course includes specific modules on intercultural communication and tailored sales techniques. You will learn to use storytelling, understand body language, and acquire basic Mandarin skills to engage authentically and persuasively. These skills will enable you to build a real connection with the customer, increasing the chances of successful sales.

 

  1. Boost Sales Performance & Customer Satisfaction

Training your staff with the Chinese Excellence Academy doesn’t just mean enriching their skills; it also means improving results. A well-prepared sales team can better manage customer expectations and confidently handle even the most complex situations. This translates into increased sales, higher customer satisfaction, and ultimately, an enhanced brand reputation. For travel retail operators, this course is an investment that can transform the way they do business with Chinese travellers.

 

  1. Official CPD Certification: A True Added Value

Not all courses offer internationally recognised certification. At 2.0 & Partners, we are a CPD approver course provider, and upon completing the Chinese Excellence Academy, participants will receive their own certification, underlining their advanced skills in the field. This certification not only demonstrates your commitment to professional development but also adds a distinguishing element to your resume, making you more competitive in the job market or within your company. Holding a CPD certification means being recognized as a competent and qualified professional in a rapidly evolving sector.

 

The Chinese Excellence Academy is not just a training course; it’s a strategy for the future. Knowing the Chinese customer, understanding them, and serving them better is the key to standing out in an increasingly competitive market. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to acquire specialized skills and earn a recognized certification! Contact us today to learn how to enrol your team.

 

Marco Passoni has decades of experience in the travel retail sector. He has spent the majority of his career in senior leader positions throughout the market, including a 12-year tenure as CEO of a leading international Duty Free distribution company and a further 8 years running a retail firm that operated fashion mono-brand stores in several international airports.
Today, as Senior Executive VP and founding partner of 2.0 & Partners, he leads the company’s efforts in developing and innovating services which create new opportunities and partnerships for all members of the travel retail Trinity. A former elite-level sailor, with a World Championship to his name, Marco now spends much of his time airside, experiencing the changing travel retail industry first-hand, to better guide partners and clients on the best way to do business in this vibrant and unique market.