Mainland tycoon treats 3,000 staff to Spain tour

Big-spending Mainland tourists might not be the best-behaved tourists, with the Government having to create guidelines for their behaviour abroad, but Li Jinyuan, founder of Tiens Group, who owns a RMB 11 billion pharmaceutical empire couldn't care less.

After taking 6400 staff members to France last year, Li has done it again.

Last week, he treated 3,000 of his top salespeople to a visit in Madrid, that included a bullfight and a tour of King Felipe VI’s Royal Palace, organised by China’s U Tour travel company.

"Spain was selected for this year’s bonus trip for the workers because they are fond of Spanish history and culture, and its delicious cuisine and its soccer," Li Zhong Min, the founder’s son told news.com.au.

U Tour deputy manager Zhang Xi Lai said the tour for the group of mostly healthcare product salespeople cost US$ 8 million.

It took 20 planes,  70 coaches, four high-speed trains  to take the group sightseeing, and their accommodation consisted of 1,650 hotel rooms.

The employees saw a bullfight in a town near Madrid, complete with horse riders and flamenco dancers and then swigged down sangrias after an employee awards presentation. After Madrid, they were scheduled to head to Barcelona for the rest of their trip.

Zhang said another trip is expected to take place next year, but the destination hasn’t been set yet.

Image: Shutterstock