Online travel group Booking Holdings is making a big move to tap into more of the Chinese market.
Undeterred that a US-China trade war could impact tourism, Booking Holdings is investing $500 million in China’s dominant ride-sharing platform Didi Chuxing.
The two parties will align their respective services in some markets, to streamline simultaneous room reservations and ride bookings.
Didi will offer rides via Booking’s apps and Didi users will be able to make room reservations on Booking.com and Agoda.
"Didi has clear advantages in technology and scale in the shared mobility industry," said Todd Henrich, Booking Holdings’ head of corporate development.
"Building on its leadership and expertise in the global online travel market, Booking is championing a digital revolution of travel experience. We look forward to seamlessly connecting every segment of the journey and improving everyone’s traveling experience," said Stephen Zhu, VP of strategy for Didi.
Outside of China Didi has a presence in just four countries but has significant strategic investments in Southeast Asia, South America and beyond.
It also plans to roll out ride hailing services in Japan.
