Choice Hotels International has announced a new global agreement with Ctrip, the largest online travel agency in China. In addition, Choice Hotels has added a series of new amenities to the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands to cater to the increase in Chinese tourism. These two initiatives highlight Choice Hotels’ focus on better serving the U.S. inbound Chinese travel market.
With Chinese tourism set to be the top market for inbound travel to the U.S. by 2019, participating Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels will provide guests with cultural offerings, such as green tea, slippers, and acceptance of China Union Pay on-property, in addition to free hot breakfast and Wi-Fi. The green tea will be made available in lobbies of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels and the free slippers will be provided at the front desks of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels as part of the brand’s “Forgot Something?” program.
“China is, and will continue to be, a major market for inbound tourism in the next few years, and Choice is dedicated to anticipating the needs of guests traveling from abroad by ensuring they have the amenities they desire and expect. With properties located near iconic U.S. landmarks and major cities and amenities such as free WiFi, Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites are a great hotels for Chinese travelers exploring the U.S.,” said Robert McDowell, Chief Commercial Officer at Choice Hotels International. “Furthermore, our global partnership with Ctrip will expand Choice Hotels reach into the growing Chinese tourism market.”
The amenities are the latest in a series of enhancements to the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands. In addition to announcing its smoke-free policy and new, healthy breakfast options, Comfort Inn completed a variety of renovations as part of Choice Hotels’ landmark $40 million Comfort brand property improvement incentive, which has yielded favorable results and feedback from developers and guests alike.
