Chinese holidaymakers are more app-savvy in their travel planning than Europeans or Americans. Yet while these mobile-based services have become hugely popular in the country, a lingering mistrust of online payments may hold back app domination in the vacation market.

Japanese startup WAmazing is using an integrated app to break down cultural barriers and attract visitors who previously may not have considered a visit. With growing interest in Japan, technology is being used to reach digitally savvy visitors from neighbouring China and Hong Kong.

Australia sits near the top of Chinese tourists’ destination wish-list, spurred by a thirst for culture and history. But what deters Chinese tourists from a return visit? And how can Aussie hotels and tourist hot-spots nurture the growing inbound market?

Rapidly shifting market forces have made China the largest and most sophisticated digital (and notably mobile) payment market in the world. In turn, these forces are also changing consumer behaviour and pushing the country’s consumers towards a society that no longer uses cash.