Brief: Uber goes after China’s tourists with option for Chinese-speaking driver

Image credit: TIA.

The news:

• Uber today announced UberMandarin, a new option in the ride-hailing app that allows you to book a Mandarin-speaking driver in Malaysia.
• The feature, which is also present in Toronto (as UberChinese), is aimed at Mandarin speakers who want a driver speaking their language.
• UberMandarin will be available to riders in Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang.

Why it matters:

• Chinese tourists are increasingly a commercial force to be reckoned with. Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture expects an estimated 3 million visitors from China this year, 4 million next year, and 8 million by 2020.
• While Uber China’s app doesn’t work outside the country, Chinese tourists would have to use Uber’s global app when in Malaysia. But at least they’ll be able to talk to the driver.