Tencent, the Chinese media company behind WeChat, looks to be expanding into the tourism sector, after signing a cooperation agreement withHelsinkiand and World Tourism Cities Federation.
Thetripartite cooperation agreement will seeHelsinkiserve as an intelligent tourism model forChinaoutbound tourism.Network broadcasts, a WeChat official account, mini programmes, AR techniques, panoramic maps, big data and other related product services will provide a service to Chinese tourists to Helsinki.
In addition,aHelsinkiapp designed for travellers will be made available to almost one billionTencentusers.
"Cooperation withTencentand WTCF is a huge opportunity forHelsinkito be seen on the biggest digital platform inChina. We are very excited about this project. Our cooperation with the world's top internet companyTencent, using its media promotion and product platform to display various aspects ofHelsinkiand serve Chinese outbound tourists, represents a great advance in innovation.Helsinkiis the shortest and fastest route betweenAsiaandEurope, which has helpedHelsinkibecome the leading long-haul airport inNorthern Europe. Launching this program will help makeHelsinkias a destination and its attractions more accessible to Chinese travellers," saysLaura Aalto, CEO of Helsinki Marketing.
Tencent also owns around 18% of JD.com, which is the largest Chinese e-commerce outfit behind Alibaba.
A variety of products based on Tencent properties will likely be offered from the Chinese online retailer.
Properties likely to be merchandised include Tencent's social media platforms like QQ and WeChat, as well as its gaming IPs, like Honour of Kings (aka Arena of Valor or Strike of Kings).
Earlier this year Tencent announced their plans to open an esports theme park.
Header Image:Left to right: Shu Zhan, General Manager of Tencent Tourism; Su Yu, Secretary-General of WTCF; Laura Aalto, CEO of Helsinki Marketing.
