TRIP.COM(HK:09961) Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-05-16 01:23Core Viewpoint - The online travel industry in China is experiencing robust growth, driven by the integration of cultural and tourism sectors, increasing internet penetration, and rising consumer travel demand. The online travel booking user base is expanding rapidly, with the market size accelerating. By 2024, the online transaction rate in China is expected to reach 51.5%, with a total transaction volume of 2.07 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 17.8% [1][12]. Industry Overview - Online travel (OTA) refers to the process where consumers book travel products or services through the internet, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and vacation packages. The industry in China began in 1997 and has developed a complete industrial chain over the past two decades, maintaining an online travel penetration rate above 50% [2][3]. Industry Environment - The number of internet users in China reached 1.108 billion by December 2024, an increase of 16.08 million from the previous year, with an internet penetration rate of 78.6%. The shift towards online travel behavior has been accelerated by the pandemic and the formation of consumer habits in the era of mass tourism, providing a solid foundation for the online travel market [5][10]. Policy Framework - In response to various industry issues such as default bundling and information leakage, the Chinese government has implemented several regulations to promote healthy development in the online travel sector. Policies include the "Interim Regulations on Online Travel Business Operations" and the "14th Five-Year Plan for Tourism Development," aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight and encouraging innovation and service quality [7][9]. Current Industry Status - The online travel booking user base in China fell to 342 million in 2020 due to the pandemic, but has since rebounded, reaching 548 million by December 2024, representing 49.5% of the total internet users [10][12]. Competitive Landscape - The major players in China's online travel market include Ctrip, which has developed a strong platform through resource accumulation and sales capabilities; Tongcheng, Fliggy, and Meituan, which leverage their respective ecosystems for steady conversion; and Douyin, which uses its social media platform for marketing and brand exposure [14][16]. Development Trends 1. Intelligent and Personalized Services: Online travel platforms are integrating AI and big data to enhance service personalization and efficiency, with leading platforms like Ctrip and Tongcheng already implementing these technologies [20]. 2. Cross-Industry Integration: Online travel companies are collaborating with sectors like finance and culture to expand service offerings, creating comprehensive service ecosystems that enhance user engagement [21]. 3. Market Penetration in Lower-Tier Cities: The demand for online travel services is rapidly increasing in lower-tier cities, with companies like Tongcheng focusing on these markets for user growth, while also expanding globally [22].