Chinese online travel giant Ctrip has formed a strategic alliance with leading Spanish hotel group Melia.
The partnership will see the companies cooperate closely on big data, marketing and distribution services.
"Melia is one of the most renowned hotel groups in the world, which naturally complements an international company like Ctrip" said Rong Zhang, vice president of Ctrip Group and GM of Ctrip’s hotel business.
"This signals Ctrip’s further development in European market. It will provide more diverse hotel options for Chinese travellers when they visit Europe."
Jose Maria Dalmau, Melia’s VP of international business development said it is a natural progression of an already strong relationship with Ctrip.
"We have maintained a close partnership with Ctrip. It has proven to be very productive, thanks to Ctrip’s market leadership. With Ctrip’s help, we were able to open our first Chinese location Melia Jinan and Gran Melia Xian in China."
"The deepened cooperation between Ctrip and Melia gives us more confidence about future prospects. We look forward to working more closely with Ctrip on our new hotel locations," he added.
Melia is also rolling out a new programme called ‘Friends’ which will offer customised services to Chinese travellers.
