Chinese business visit could boost Paultons Park in Year of the (Peppa) Pig
LOCAL tourism could be set for a boost after a delegation of Chinese internet executives visited Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park to celebrate the launch of a new branding partnership.
Representaives from Tmall, one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, visited with their mascot, the Tmall cat, to mark the start of a new promotion which could draw more Chinese visitors as the nation celebrates the Year of the Pig.
Tmall is run by one of China’s largest online shopping platforms, Alibaba, and has now chosen to promote the British brand Peppa Pig as a “super brand” of 2019.
To launch the partnership, a ceremony took place on at Peppa Pig World near Ower, when Tmall executives attended along with representatives from Entertainment One, the licence holder of Peppa Pig.
The ceremony included a tour of Peppa Pig World, speeches by key individuals, and the introduction of Peppa Pig to Tmall’s mascot, the Tmall cat.
Mike Hu, president at Tmall, said: “Since its launch three years ago in China, Peppa Pig has become a beloved brand for families. To celebrate naming Peppa Pig as one of our super brands, it seemed only fitting to travel to the home of Peppa Pig to commemorate the start of our partnership.
“We are thrilled to give the more than 600-million annual active consumers on our China marketplaces the opportunity to enjoy special discounts and promotions on Peppa Pig merchandise.”
The ceremony was held to celebrate the partnership and to inspire Peppa Pig fans from China to visit the UK and Peppa Pig World.
China is one of the UK’s most valuable visitor markets, with tourists spending on average £2,059 during their UK visits – more than three times the average.
Patricia Yates, director at VisitBritain, said: “The popularity and profile of an iconic British brand such as Peppa Pig in China gives us a great opportunity to connect with millions of potential visitors to the UK, as well as to promote associated visitor attractions, local destinations and experiences, inspiring more Chinese visitors to book a trip here right now and to explore more of our nations and regions.
"Entertainment One spokesperson Ami Dieckman, said: “The recognition Peppa Pig has received from Tmall is a huge achievement for the brand, and one we’re very proud of.
“Peppa Pig has increasingly grown in popularity in China, not least thanks to Tmall’s support of the brand and the launch of Merlin’s first Peppa Pig World of Play, an indoor themed attraction launched earlier this year in Shanghai.”
