UK Hotels Go Chinese

Hotels in London and other major cities around the UK are hoping to benefit from the expected increase in Chinese tourists.

Following changes to the visa arrangements earlier this year, it is now much easier for Chinese citizens to visit the UK either on business or as holidaymakers. Previously, visas were largely restricted to students.

China is the world's fastest growing economy meaning that more people are able to consider taking foreign holidays.

The UK's hospitality sector is keen to take advantage with some leading hotels hiring more Chinese speaking staff.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is also planning changes to its menus and new signs in Mandarin and Cantonese.

"We feel that our Chinese customers will want to stay in a hotel they know from back home," a spokesman told London's Evening Standard newspaper.

Tourism sector is a major contributor to the UK's economy but has been hit recently by July's terrorist attacks.