Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Trip.com Group reported a net revenue of RMB 18.3 billion for Q3 2025, representing a 16% increase year-over-year and a 24% increase quarter-over-quarter [18] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was RMB 6.3 billion, compared to RMB 5.7 billion in the same period last year and RMB 4.9 billion in the previous quarter [20] - Diluted earnings per ordinary share were RMB 28.61 or $4.02, elevated due to a one-time gain from the divestment of an overseas investment [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Accommodation reservation revenue increased by 18% year-over-year to RMB 8.0 billion, driven by strong outbound and international hotel bookings [18] - Transportation ticketing revenue rose by 12% year-over-year to RMB 6.3 billion, with international air bookings showing robust growth [18] - Package tour revenue grew by 3% year-over-year to RMB 1.6 billion, primarily due to the expansion of international offerings [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Outbound hotel and air bookings grew by close to 20% year-over-year, reaching about 140% of 2019 volumes [8] - Inbound travel bookings on the platform grew by over 100% year-over-year, reflecting robust international demand [10] - The Asia-Pacific region remains the largest source of inbound travelers, with international bookings growing around 60% year-over-year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage AI innovation to enhance travel experiences and improve service delivery [6][17] - Trip.com Group is focusing on expanding its international presence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, while also enhancing domestic services [40] - The company is committed to nurturing the broader travel ecosystem and supporting local economic development through strategic partnerships [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future of travel, citing strong demand and a growing desire for immersive experiences [5][6] - The company plans to continue investing in AI and technology to enhance customer service and operational efficiency [26] - Management noted that challenges in the market present opportunities for strengthening the company's foundation and expanding its market share [40] Other Important Information - The company launched a free layover experience for travelers at Hong Kong International Airport, enhancing its offerings for international visitors [11] - The number of Old Friends Club members and their total GMV rose over 70%, indicating a growing focus on senior travelers [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on AI's role in Trip.com's strategy - Management highlighted AI as a central pillar of their strategy, with significant growth in the use of AI-driven tools like Trip Genie, which is now used in over 200 countries [24][25] Question: Consumer behavior trends during national holidays - Management noted strong trends for long stays and long-distance travel during the national holiday, with outbound bookings increasing over 30% year-over-year [30] Question: Recent trends in hotel and air ticket prices - Management indicated that hotel and air ticket prices have shown a slight decline, with domestic prices trending higher during peak travel periods [34] Question: Insights on international performance and regional highlights - Management reported a 60% year-over-year increase in international bookings, with Asia-Pacific being the largest contributor [50] Question: Updates on inbound travel business - Management shared positive feedback from inbound customers regarding safety and hospitality, highlighting the growth potential in this segment [54] Question: Marketing strategy and future plans - Management discussed the effectiveness of their marketing strategy in Q3 and plans to continue executing signature campaigns for upcoming global holidays [60] Question: Impact of competition and market dynamics - Management emphasized the favorable environment for online travel companies in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on delivering one-stop solutions and exceptional customer service [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Trip.com Group reported a net revenue of RMB 18.3 billion for Q3 2025, representing a 16% increase year-over-year and a 24% increase quarter-over-quarter, driven by robust travel demand [18] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was RMB 6.3 billion, compared to RMB 5.7 billion in the same period last year and RMB 4.9 billion in the previous quarter [20] - Diluted earnings per ordinary share were RMB 28.61 or $4.02, elevated primarily due to a one-time gain from the divestment of an overseas investment [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Accommodation reservation revenue for Q3 was RMB 8.0 billion, an 18% increase year-over-year and a 29% increase quarter-over-quarter, driven by strong outbound and international hotel bookings [18] - Transportation ticketing revenue was RMB 6.3 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year and a 17% increase quarter-over-quarter, with international air bookings showing robust growth [18] - Package tour revenue was RMB 1.6 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year and a 49% increase quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to the expansion of international offerings [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Outbound hotel and air bookings grew by close to 20% year-over-year, reaching about 140% of 2019 volumes, with Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia being popular destinations [8] - Inbound travel bookings grew by over 100% year-over-year, reflecting robust international demand [10] - Mobile bookings accounted for over 70% of total bookings, indicating a shift towards mobile platforms among travelers [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage AI innovation to enhance travel experiences, with a focus on personalized services and operational efficiency [6][26] - Trip.com Group is expanding its international presence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and is committed to investing in inbound travel and catering to senior and younger travelers [40][56] - The company is enhancing its product offerings and services to meet diverse traveler needs, including partnerships with live entertainment companies to drive travel experiences [15][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future of travel, citing strong demand and a growing desire for immersive experiences among travelers [5][17] - The company is focused on sustainable growth and long-term value creation, with plans to enhance services and empower the broader travel ecosystem [22][40] - Management noted that challenges in the market present opportunities for strengthening the company's foundation and expanding its market share [40] Other Important Information - The company launched initiatives like the "Taste of China" dining experience to attract international visitors and enhance inbound travel [6] - The balance of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025, was RMB 107.7 billion or $15.1 billion, indicating a strong liquidity position [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on AI's role in Trip.com's strategy - Management emphasized that AI is a central pillar of their strategy, with significant growth in AI-driven tools and a commitment to enhancing the travel experience through technology [24][25] Question: Consumer behavior trends during national holidays - Management noted strong trends in long-haul and long-stay travel during holidays, with outbound bookings increasing significantly [30] Question: Recent trends in hotel and air ticket prices - Management indicated that hotel and air ticket prices have stabilized, with slight year-on-year declines, but are expected to remain under pressure due to expanding capacity [34] Question: Impact of competition in the travel market - Management highlighted that the travel market is evolving, and their investments in technology and customer service will help maintain a competitive edge [44] Question: Updates on international performance - Management reported a 60% year-over-year increase in international bookings, with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region [50] Question: Inbound travel growth catalysts - Management cited positive feedback from inbound travelers regarding safety and hospitality, along with favorable visa policies as key growth drivers [54] Question: Marketing strategy and future plans - Management discussed the effectiveness of their marketing strategy and plans to continue executing campaigns aligned with long-term growth objectives [60] Question: Margin outlook for the future - Management stated that it is too early to provide specific margin outlooks but emphasized ongoing improvements in operating efficiency [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Trip.com Group reported a net revenue of RMB 18.3 billion for Q3 2025, representing a 16% increase year-over-year and a 24% increase quarter-over-quarter, driven by robust travel demand [17] - Accommodation reservation revenue increased by 18% year-over-year to RMB 8.0 billion, and transportation ticketing revenue rose by 12% year-over-year to RMB 6.3 billion [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was RMB 6.3 billion, compared to RMB 5.7 billion in the same period last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Outbound hotel and air bookings grew by close to 20% year-over-year, reaching about 140% of 2019 volumes [6] - Package tour revenue increased by 3% year-over-year to RMB 1.6 billion, with a significant 49% increase quarter-over-quarter [18] - Corporate travel revenue rose by 15% year-over-year to RMB 756 million, driven by more companies adopting managed corporate travel services [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inbound travel bookings on the platform grew by over 100% year-over-year, reflecting robust international demand [9] - The Asia-Pacific region remains the largest source of inbound travelers, with Europe and the U.S. also seeing strong growth [9] - International bookings increased by around 60% year-over-year, with the Asia-Pacific region contributing over 50% to this growth [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage AI innovation to enhance travel experiences and improve service delivery [5] - Trip.com Group is focusing on expanding its international presence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, while also enhancing its offerings for inbound travelers [48] - The company is committed to nurturing the broader travel ecosystem and supporting local economic development through strategic partnerships [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth of the travel industry, emphasizing the importance of enhancing services and empowering the broader ecosystem [16] - The company remains optimistic about the future of travel, particularly with the growing demand for diverse and immersive experiences [5] - Management noted that challenges in the market present opportunities to strengthen the company's foundation and expand its market share [38] Other Important Information - The company launched a free layover experience for travelers at Hong Kong International Airport, enhancing its offerings for international visitors [10] - The number of Old Friends Club members increased by over 70%, indicating a growing focus on catering to affluent and active seniors [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on AI's role in Trip.com's strategy - Management highlighted AI as a central pillar of the company's strategy, with significant growth in the use of AI-driven tools and a focus on enhancing user experiences [24] Question: Consumer behavior trends during national holidays - Management noted strong trends in long stays and long-distance travel during the national holiday, with outbound hotel and air bookings jumping over 30% year-over-year [28] Question: Recent trends in hotel and air ticket prices - Hotel and air ticket prices have shown a narrowing decline, with domestic hotel prices trending higher during the Golden Week [33] Question: Insights on consumer sentiment and outlook for 2026 - Management observed strong travel demand and a desire for immersive experiences, with a focus on enhancing products and services for evolving traveler needs [37] Question: Impact of competition in the China market - Management emphasized the importance of technology and customer service in maintaining a competitive edge, while also investing in improving efficiency across the industry [42] Question: Updates on international performance - International bookings increased by around 60% year-over-year, with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region driving growth [48] Question: Inbound travel growth catalysts - Management cited positive feedback from inbound customers regarding safety and hospitality, along with the convenience of visa policies as key growth drivers [53] Question: Marketing strategy and future plans - The marketing strategy delivered solid results, with plans to continue executing signature campaigns while adapting to emerging market trends [59] Question: Dynamics in the global market and competition - Management noted the potential for growth in the Asia-Pacific market and emphasized the importance of localized products and exceptional customer service [62] Question: Long-term positioning of destination services - Management indicated that the destination service business is expected to grow significantly, focusing on enhancing user experience and customer loyalty [68] Question: Outlook for operating expenses - Management plans to manage investments with discipline, adjusting spending based on market maturity and maintaining high standards for new hires [72] Question: Margin expansion outlook - Management stated it is too early to provide specific margin outlooks but emphasized ongoing improvements in operating efficiency as a key driver for future margins [76]

Core Insights - The forum on the 10th anniversary of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement highlighted significant growth in inbound tourism orders for Ctrip this year, driven by favorable entry policies and visa exemptions [1][2] Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - Inbound tourism orders for Ctrip have seen a significant year-on-year increase, attributed to the ongoing release of entry facilitation policy benefits, including visa exemptions for multiple countries [1] - Russia has emerged as the fifth largest source of inbound tourists to China, surpassing Japan and South Korea in the Beijing market [1] Group 2: Policy and Service Enhancements - The National Immigration Administration announced the launch of an online "entry card" submission system by the end of November, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of the entry process for international tourists [1] - The focus of inbound tourism policy is shifting from "policy-driven" to "quality-driven," indicating a transition towards promoting consumption expansion [1][2] Group 3: Future Strategies - Ctrip plans to enhance inbound tourism through improved service guarantees, development of unique product systems, and strengthened global marketing efforts [2] - The company is leveraging AI technology to improve the experience of international tourists, with the Trip Genie feature providing comprehensive travel solutions through natural language interaction [2] - Ctrip's AI Agent customer service system supports 26 languages and handles nearly 5,000 inquiries from international tourists daily, optimizing service efficiency and resource allocation [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Ctrip's performance in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the challenges in the domestic travel market while emphasizing the growth potential in international markets and the strategic importance of AI in the company's future plans [2][5][9]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Ctrip's overall operating revenue for Q1 2025 was 13.85 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16.18%, while net profit attributable to Ctrip's shareholders was 4.277 billion yuan, slightly down by 0.81% [6]. - The accommodation booking business saw a revenue increase of 23% year-on-year, serving as the main driver for revenue growth, while ticketing business revenue growth slowed to 8.4% [6]. Group 2: Domestic Market Challenges - The domestic travel industry remains under pressure, with Huazhu Group reporting a RevPAR of 208 yuan per night, down 4% year-on-year, marking a new low since the pandemic recovery began in 2023 [7]. - The average ticket price for economy class during the peak "Eleventh" holiday last year was 845 yuan, a decrease of 15.1% compared to the same period last year [7]. Group 3: International Market Growth - Ctrip's high growth in accommodation bookings is primarily driven by international business, with inbound tourism bookings increasing by over 100% year-on-year, and hotel bookings from major visa-free countries in the Asia-Pacific region surging by 240% [7]. - Ctrip's overseas business, Trip, is expected to see its revenue share increase from around 10% last year to 18% by 2025, with potential long-term growth reaching 25% to 33% [8]. Group 4: AI Strategy - Ctrip's management has identified AI as a core component of its long-term strategy, with the AI assistant "Trip Genie" increasing average user session duration by approximately 50% [10]. - The AI chatbot and self-service tools handled over 80% of inquiries, saving the company over 10,000 hours of customer service work daily, equivalent to freeing up over 1,000 customer service personnel [10]. Group 5: AI Challenges - Despite the potential of AI, the actual implementation may face challenges, particularly in addressing core pain points in travel planning [11]. - Ctrip has launched the "Ctrip Ask" model for travel planning, but its practical application remains limited [11]. - The company has made executive adjustments to enhance its AI strategy, appointing a Chief Product Officer and a Chief Scientist to lead AI-related product strategies [12].

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing trend of AI-assisted travel planning, highlighting the emergence of various platforms offering AI-generated travel itineraries and recommendations [1][12][13] - It emphasizes the complexity and time-consuming nature of traditional travel planning, which has led to the rise of services that create personalized travel plans based on user preferences and requirements [1][6][12] Group 1: AI Travel Planning Features - Alibaba's travel platform, Fliggy, has launched an AI feature called "Ask Me," which generates travel plans by considering user preferences, budget, and other personalized needs [6][12] - Other online travel agencies (OTAs) like Ctrip and Tongcheng have also developed AI tools for travel planning, integrating their resources to provide comprehensive services [13][17] - User feedback indicates that while these AI tools can generate detailed itineraries, they may still have limitations in accuracy and speed, with some users reporting errors in generated plans [12][18] Group 2: Data and Privacy Challenges - The effectiveness of AI travel planning tools heavily relies on data collection, organization, and analysis, raising concerns about user privacy and data security [21][22] - The integration of various data sources is often challenging, which can lead to inaccuracies in recommendations and user experiences [21][22] - Ethical considerations regarding algorithmic biases and the prioritization of certain products over others can further complicate the reliability of AI-generated travel plans [21][22] Group 3: User Expectations vs. Reality - Users have high expectations for AI travel assistants, envisioning a seamless experience akin to a personal assistant that can understand and fulfill their travel needs [22] - However, the current capabilities of AI travel planning tools fall short of these expectations, indicating that significant advancements are still needed to achieve the ideal user experience [22]