The number of cruise passengers from China surged 91% in 2016 to a record high of more than 2.12 million. Yet the industry has to grapple with issues of deteriorating experience and homogenized itineraries.
Overseas ground transport provider Hi Guides (HuangBaoChe) announced that it has raised RMB 210 million in its B+ round in less than half a year after its B round financing last August.
China’s tourism revenues in 2016 is projected to have reached RMB 4.69 trillion, up by 13.6% YoY. The industry has contributed more than 10.26% to the country’s employment in the year.
Air distribution and business travel company Meiya received RMB 120 million in its series A round. The funding was supported by Fortune Capital and a fund inaugurated by China’ Ministry of Finance.
Shiji, a Chinese hotel information company partially owned by Alibaba, acquired a 79.47% stake in Spain-based hotel review company ReviewPro for EUR 26.36 million.
Ctrip signed an agreement with theme entertainment company Merlin Entertainment Group on marketing cooperation, reported China News Service.
China has become US travelers’ top destination in Asia Pacific as the country saw US visitor arrivals rise 7.5% to 1.66 million in the first nine months of 2016.
China's evolving family-travel trend poses new opportunities for the industry to target with more creative offerings beyond families of younger parents and small children, according to travel search site Wego.