Chinese OTA Ctrip partners with London ground transport start-up Splyt

Chinese travel giant Ctrip has announced a partnership with pioneering London on-demand ground transport start-up Splyt to provide bookability through the agency’s app. The world’s second largest online travel agency said its customers will be able to instantly book a … Continue reading →

Chinese travel giant Ctrip has announced a partnership with pioneering London on-demand ground transport start-up Splyt to provide bookability through the agency’s app.

The world’s second largest online travel agency said its customers will be able to instantly book a ride without having to download any other apps.

As a result of the deal Ctrip said its customers now have global ride-hailing access from the world’s largest mobility companies in over 1,000 cities through Splyt’s API.

Philipp Mintchin, Splyt chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to partner with one of the world’s largest online travel agencies, giving their global customer base easy access to the world’s first integrated mobility marketplace.

“The number of outbound trips from Chinese tourists hit 131 million in 2017, making China the largest source of outbound tourists in the world.

“By unlocking a truly international inventory, we are revolutionising travelling abroad for Ctrip customers and cementing our commitment to the Asian market.”

Chris An, head of Ctrip’s international ground transportation department, added: “With an ever improving digital infrastructure, coupled with increasing disposable income and fewer visa restrictions, the Chinese outbound tourism market has significantly increased over the last few years.

Our customers rightly demand the very best service, and with this new partnership, they will be able to access a comprehensive, tailored, and convenient ride-hailing marketplace without ever needing to leave our app.

“As a one stop shop model, Ctrip strives to provide the best quality service and this integration will change our travellers’ experiences entirely.”

Users arriving in countries will be able to hail a ride from companies including Careem, Gett and Cabify. All payments will be taken via Ctrip’s app their local currency.

Ctrip said this will ensure Chinese travellers avoid the complex process of downloading and using unfamiliar transport apps when arriving in a new country.

Users will also have access to in-app chat supported with auto-translation, allowing communication between passengers and drivers who may not speak the same language.

Splyt, which is based in Holborn, is now a leading transport and mobility marketplace. It provides coverage to on-demand transportation in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Ctrip says it is seeing increasing consumer appetite for on-demand solutions in a market projected to reach $276 billion by 2025.

Shanghai Ctrip, is China’s largest OTA with more than 300 million registered users.