The Starwood group, which owns the Sheraton, Westin and W brands, has responded to Chinese guests with in-room tea kettles, slippers, translated restaurant menus, on-site translation services and comfort food such as congee (rice porridge) and noodles.

BBC: The US gears up for an explosion of Chinese tourism

The pioneer in bringing peace of mind to family or neighbours is Zojirushi, Japan's biggest maker of rice cookers and electric kettles, which in Japan keep water hot all day for tea or miso soup.

ECONOMIST: The grey market