同程25亿元收购万达酒管、携程入主“大乐之野”，OTA平台为什么集中发力住宿？

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Tongcheng Travel and Wanda Group marks a significant move in the online travel agency (OTA) sector, as Tongcheng plans to acquire Wanda Hotel Management for 2.497 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in the hotel management market amidst increasing competition from platforms like Meituan and Douyin [1][3][7]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Tongcheng Travel announced the acquisition of 100% equity in Wanda Hotel Management for 2.497 billion, with a valuation of 9.5 times the adjusted EBITDA for 2023, slightly below the industry average [3]. - Wanda Hotel Management operates a light-asset model with nine hotel brands, managing 204 hotels and over 40,200 rooms, with an additional 376 hotels under contract to open [3]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance Tongcheng's competitiveness in the high-end hotel sector, leveraging Wanda's established brand portfolio and experienced management team [3][4]. Group 2: Market Context and Strategy - The hotel supply currently exceeds demand, leading to intensified competition and opportunities for low-cost acquisitions, prompting OTAs to enhance their accommodation offerings [1][2]. - Analysts suggest that OTAs are seeking new growth avenues through hotel acquisitions, which can provide direct operational profits and strengthen market positions through industry chain collaboration [2][7]. - Data indicates that accommodation bookings remain a core revenue source for major OTAs, with Tongcheng's accommodation service revenue reaching 4.7 billion, accounting for 27% of total revenue, and Ctrip's accommodation revenue at 21.6 billion, making up 40% of total revenue, both showing double-digit growth year-on-year [7]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The competition in the hotel booking market has intensified, with platforms like Meituan and Douyin capturing significant market share from traditional OTAs [7][10]. - The acquisition strategies of both Tongcheng and Ctrip are seen as essential moves to mitigate competition from emerging players and to control scarce supply resources more effectively [10]. - The future competition in the OTA sector is expected to focus on deepening supply chain integration and enhancing user engagement [10].