Shangri-La and Ctrip have signed a distribution co-operation agreement and being its first direct distribution system partner in mainland China, Shangri-La will leverage Ctrip's cutting-edge hotel reservation platform to distribute hotels of its brands, namely Shangri-La, Traders and Kerry, in the country.

Under the terms of the agreement, the reservation systems of both Shangri-La and Ctrip will establish direct connectivity.  Through Ctrip's platform, travellers can make bookings at Shangri-La，Kerry and Traders hotels in China with Best Available Rate and receive confirmation for room types and rates on a real-time basis. 

Members of Shangri-La's programme for frequent guests, Golden Circle, who book Shangri-La's hotels via Ctrip, will be equally entitled to receive Golden Circle rewards and benefits.

For better communication and service to Ctrip members, Shangri-La will provide Ctrip with hotel/destination updates and promotional activities via a dedicated Shangri-La page on the Ctrip website that will be promoted to Ctrip members.

Shangri-La operates 32 hotels under the brands of Shangri La, Kerry and Traders with more than 15,000 rooms, the largest rooms inventory in mainland China.  The group currently has over 20 new hotel projects in the country under development that are planned to open within the next five years.

"Shangri-La has enjoyed very pleasant co-operation in the past with Ctrip, the leading online travel service provider in China.  We are very excited to extend this partnership to direct connectivity, which enables our mutual clients to enjoy a convenient and prompt hotel booking experience.  We hope in the very near future partnerships of such nature will be extended globally," said Kent Zhu, group director of sales marketing, Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd.

James Tang, senior vice president of Ctrip, said, "It is our honour to be in partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.  Shangri-La is well known for its world-class service and facilities.  This co-operation will enhance the reach of our high-end network and enrich our hotel reservation offerings.  More importantly, we will be able to provide our users with the convenience of booking luxury hotels in China. We look forward to working with Shangri-La to develop our international businesses."