Shanghai, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2015 Global Travel News Summit will take place on September 16–17 at the Shanghai Sheshan Le Méridien Hotel. Over 1,400 senior executives from the global travel industry will gather to discuss the theme “Rising Forces, Big Changes.”
In 2014, China’s outbound tourism volume exceeded 100 million trips for the first time, making China the world’s largest source of tourists. Meanwhile, within China—the world’s largest domestic tourism market—developments in airlines, high-speed rail, airports, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and attractions continue to thrive. On the other hand, the ongoing price war among OTAs remains deep and fierce, testing the mettle of many industry players.
Ctrip’s acquisition of eLong sent shockwaves through China’s and the world’s travel industries, with the online travel market landscape facing reshaping. Chinese airlines, hotels, and OTA companies are accelerating their overseas investment strategies, but international expansion remains a long journey. Investment and mergers and acquisitions in China’s tourism market have never been more active, with startups emerging like mushrooms after rain, all striving to challenge the dominance of the giants.
In this era of great change, how can travel businesses seize opportunities and envision the future? On September 16–17, over 1,400 senior executives from the global travel industry will come together to engage in in-depth discussions on the theme “Rising Forces, Big Changes.”
Here, you’ll find keynote speeches from top industry leaders.
● James Liang, Chairman and CEO of Ctrip.com
● Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Priceline Group Adrian James Currie
● Jane Sun, President of TripAdvisor Asia Pacific
● General Manager for North Asia, Airbnb Alan Chang
● Luo Jun, Co-founder and CEO of Tujia.com
And panel discussions featuring elite leaders.
Topic 1: How can the global travel industry respond to the explosive growth of China’s outbound tourism market?
In 2014, China’s outbound tourism volume surpassed 100 million trips for the first time, making it the world’s largest source of tourists. With Chinese travelers known for their strong purchasing power—as the so-called “walking wallets”—how do international travel businesses view the Chinese market, and what strategies will they adopt to attract Chinese tourists?
Topic 2: The transformation path of traditional travel agencies
Traditional travel agencies face intense competition from online travel companies, while also grappling with longstanding service criticisms and a rigid profit chain structure. Their road to transformation is long and challenging. How can traditional agencies adapt to break through barriers and embark on a path of rapid development?
Topic 3: The rise of destination tourism
Travelers’ habits are shifting from sightseeing and group tours toward deeper experiences, with independent and leisure travel becoming primary choices. The destination tourism market is rapidly expanding. Since major domestic OTA players hold no dominant advantage in this area, it offers greater space and time for entrepreneurs, making it a hot spot for startups.
Topic 4: Investment opportunities in China’s travel industry
Investment and mergers and acquisitions in China’s tourism market have never been more active, with startups emerging in great numbers. In the eyes of professional investors, which sectors hold the greatest growth potential? Which companies will disrupt the current travel distribution value chain? What factors will drive the future growth of China’s online travel market? And how can investment risks be better managed?
Of course, there’s also innovative inspiration brought by young talents.
Travel Geeks: Compared to price wars, capital battles, and PR campaigns, product-driven innovation and competition may be far more valuable. On the afternoon of the first day of the summit, three winners from the “2015 China Travel Geek Development Competition” will showcase their products and ideas to the audience.
Innovation Challenge: On the afternoon of the second day, six CEOs of selected startups or innovative companies will have eight minutes each to present their entrepreneurial visions and business plans, demonstrating team strength and passion. They will also face tough questions and scrutiny from a panel of experienced investors or successful entrepreneurs and the audience. A final winner will be selected by the judges to receive the “HowToTrip 2015 Rising Star Award.”
Registration for the summit is now open, with early-bird discounts available for sign-ups before July 31. For more details, please click here to visit the official forum website.
For forum inquiries
Shen Huifen Vicky Shen
Phone: +86-20-28829750
Email: register@traveldaily.cn