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Sydney, Australia – One of the world’s leading providers of online distribution technology, SiteMinder, has today announced a strategic integration partnership with Ctrip to secure a pivotal connection for hotels looking to access China’s soaring online travel industry. The new two-way integration puts the more than 14,000 hotels using SiteMinder’s Room Distribution Exchange (RDX) platform among the first in the world to have direct access to the country’s largest online travel booking channel, via its new XML connection.
With sales in China’s online travel market hitting nearly US$10 billion for the second quarter of 20141 – a year-on-year increase of 17.1% – the hotels are also in an optimal position to directly tap into the booming travel market in China.
“We are very happy to partner with SiteMinder, a company that is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and respected in online distribution,” says Maria Sun, CEO of Hotel Business Unit & SVP of Ctrip.
“This integration will allow hotels around the world to directly access the Ctrip platform and its enormous booking potential, while also capitalising on the robust connectivity between SiteMinder and Ctrip.
“As China’s market continues to consume travel in a number of ways – the number of accumulated downloads for Ctrip’s MobileApp, alone, has now reached 200 million and continues rapid growth – it is crucial that hotels are front and centre for the Chinese traveller. Via Ctrip, hotels that use SiteMinder products to distribute to Ctrip can now achieve exactly that.”
With approximately 80 percent of Ctrip’s total transactions booked online or through mobile channels during the second quarter of 2014, SiteMinder’s co-founder and managing director, Mike Ford, says he is delighted about the integration partnership and welcomes its role in Ctrip’s strategy for international growth.
“RDX powers more than 60 channel management solutions worldwide, including SiteMinder’s own offering, The Channel Manager. This connection with Ctrip is therefore exceptionally exciting for our hotel clients, as they can now leverage this opportunity to attract new guests from anywhere in the world,” Mr Ford says.
“China’s online travel revenue is estimated to reach around US$75 billion by 20172 and, with online users continuing to increase in the country, SiteMinder is very excited about discovering the potential this partnership with Ctrip will have for our hotels.”
1 “China OTA market transactions close to $10 billion in Q2 2014”, 4 August 2014, China Internet Watch
2 “China Online Travel GMV 2011-2017”, January 2014, iResearch
Media contact
Maria Franco
+61 2 8031 1287
media@siteminder.com
About SiteMinder
SiteMinder is one of the global hotel industry’s leading providers of online distribution and direct booking technology. Founded in 2006, SiteMinder offers award-winning, cloud-based distribution products – including the world’s largest channel manager, a booking engine, PMS/CRS integration and GDS connection tools – to help hotels increase online revenue, streamline business processes and lower operational costs. Driven by a no-contract, commission-free business model, SiteMinder’s robust product suite and exceptional client support has made the business one of the most recognisable in the industry. In addition to its global head office in Sydney, SiteMinder has operations in Bangkok, Cape Town, Dallas and London, and more than 14,000 customers in over 140 countries. For more information about SiteMinder and its market-leading products, visit www.siteminder.com.
About Ctrip.com International, Ltd
Ctrip.com International, Ltd is a leading travel service provider of accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours, and corporate travel management in China. Ctrip aggregates hotel and flight information to enable business and leisure travellers to make informed and cost-effective bookings. Ctrip also helps customers book vacation packages and guided tours. In addition, Ctrip corporate travel management services help corporate clients effectively manage their travel requirements. Since its inception in 1999, Ctrip has experienced substantial growth and become one of the best-known travel brands in China.