EyeforTravel News: Asian News Feed

"We will see mergers and acquisitions happening early in 2009"

Lindi — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:44:07 +0100

China is no different when it comes such trends. In the wake of major events such as the Beijing Olympics 2008 and World Trade Expo in 2010 among the others, it is widely acknowledged that such events will further boost the mentioned trends and propel the online travel distribution to a new high.

China’s elite to speak at 4th annual distribution event

Lindi — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:54:24 +0100

Billed as China’s most important post-Olympic event, TDS China sees discussion about the latest opportunities and challenges of the world’s most complex travel marketplace. With the mix of a cash-rich middle class, the huge growth of internet access, and the Olympic buzz stemming from the Beijing games, China has now rightfully claimed the title of the new ‘land of opportunity’.

Recent additions to the 2008 speaker line-up include Zhibo Jin, Vice President Green Tree Inns; Guangfu Cui, CEO, eLong; and Xue Qiang, Vice President eCommerce, Travelsky.

Ctrip adds PayPal payment system

Lindi — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:10:34 +0100

Ctrip has placed a link to its travel site on PayPal's Chinese language website.

The company indicated that it hopes to gain a significant advantage not only from being able to attract users who wished to pay for their travel through PayPal but also overseas PayPal users that might be attracted to its own website through the link on the PayPal site.

The city is expected to receive 4.6 million foreign tourists in 2008.

Wego plans launch of local sites in Asia Pacific

Lindi — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:04:46 +0100

With this, Australia has become the second largest market for the company.

"Australians are sophisticated online users when it comes to travel and there is enormous potential here. Growth for the Asia Pacific online travel market has been estimated to hit 50 percent from 2006 to 2009 and Australia is a key market," said Wego CEO Martin Symes.

Wego recently opened an office in Sydney, headed by marketing manager Sam Lindner.

Travelport GDS signs new agreement with TravelSky

Lindi — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:37:47 +0100

Under the terms of the agreement, TravelSky will implement Travelport's Reservation Sales Solution (RSS) allowing its travel agents to seamlessly access, make reservations and issue e-tickets on a wide range of global airlines in real-time via Travelport's Galileo GDS.

China's economic slowdown hitting airline profits: CAPA

Lindi — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:54:48 +0100

GDP expanded by 10.1 percent in the second quarter – an easing from the 10.6 percent pace of the first quarter – and below market expectations of a 10.3 percent increase. Inflation is hovering just under eight percent and the A-share market is down 48 percent this year (although profit forecasts remain strong).

Japanese show inclination towards FIT travel products

Lindi — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:48:50 +0100

Talking of Japan, the market continues to be a significant inbound market for the UK.

According to Keith Beecham, General Manager - Asia Pacific, VisitBritain, Japan delivers good regional and seasonal spread.

IHG Asia Pacific strengthens its marketing and sales leadership team

Lindi — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:45:36 +0100

The appointments are as follows:

· Jonathan Mills has been appointed VP of sales, IHG Asia Pacific. He was previously VP of sales, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Europe.

· Edwin Yap Hawson has been appointed VP, brands for IHG Asia Pacific. Edwin joins IHG from Johnson and Johnson China where he was responsible for building several of J&J's strategic brands.

Building an online intermediary brand in a market like Australia

Lindi — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:35:46 +0100

In such competitive environment, which features quite a few established OTAs, Expedia believes it has successfully built its brand since its launch 30 months ago.

"Currently 90% of our revenue is from domestic travelers": Ctrip.com

Lindi — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:11:37 +0100

An interview featuring Jane Jie Sun, Ctrip's chief financial officer (conducted by The New York Times), indicated that the remaining 10% revenue is from Chinese people traveling to other countries.