Ctrip.com International, Ltd., one of China’s largest integrated travel services company, and Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, an iconic Asian luxury hotel group, have signed an agreement to offer more unique experiences to Chinese consumers across Asia and the world. The agreement enables Shangri-La Group’s brand of hotels and resorts including Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders to be directly connected and promoted on Ctrip’s platform.
The strategic partnership – confirmed between David Zhou, Chief Business Officer for Accommodation Business Unit of Ctrip and Oliver Bonke, Shangri-La President and COO – will enable Ctrip to bring its scale of operations and capabilities in its online travel platform to enhance the travel experience for Chinese consumers who choose to stay at Shangri-La Group’s hotels and resorts. The two globally recognised Asian hospitality companies will work together, drawing on Ctrip’s scale of resources and technology, and Shangri-La’s iconic service and international standards of quality to provide enhanced experiences for Chinese travellers.
Shangri-La has been committed to growth in mainland China since opening the first Shangri-La hotel in Hangzhou in 1984. More than three decades later, the Group has grown its portfolio to over 100 properties globally. With a strong Asian and expanding its international footprint, the Group’s hotels are well placed to ensure Chinese travellers feel a sense of familiarity and are well looked after within and outside of China.
Ctrip is the largest provider of overseas travel for Chinese travellers. Approximately one in every four Chinese books and search for travel products and services through Ctrip’s platform, making Ctrip the largest outbound travel platform in Asia.
David Zhou of Ctrip said, “We are most pleased to be deepening our partnership with the Shangri-La Group. As more Chinese tourists travel abroad, we are continuously finding ways to provide better hotel services and products for more than 300 million of our registered users. Together, we are able to enhance the hotel experience and allow travellers more access to Shangri-La hotels.”
“Shangri-La will continue to take a leading role in the growth of China’s hospitality and travel industry,” said Oliver Bonke. “By partnering with Ctrip, we’ll work with their robust network of resources to help broaden the distinctive experiences Chinese travellers are increasingly looking for, and to welcome them to any of the global destinations where our hotels are located.”
