Ctrip announced that will it provide free WiFi service to travelers who take part in outbound package tours or semi-self-service tours run by the online traveling giant. Ctrip predicted that nearly 1 million outbound travelers will be able to enjoy this service per year.
The service is now available for tourism destinations in more than 100 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, the U.S., Southeast Asia and most parts of Europe. Travelers started their journey from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu will be the first group of tourists to enjoy this service.
The tour guides will carry one WiFi device for every five tourists who can use the WiFi coverage during their trips. Ctrip will invest over 10 million yuan (US$1.62 milion) in the procurement of WiFi equipment and relevant services, and the company pledged that no extra fees will be imposed on customers. Ctrip added that market price for outbound travelers to rent WiFi equipment is between 50 yuan to 70 yuan per person per day.
Ctrip eyes overseas travelling market in recent years by investing in overseas travel platform ToursForFun, launching car rental services for overseas private travelers and including overseas destinations to its attraction ticket platform.
Ctrip’s mobile apps recorded more than 100 million downloads as of present, of which hotel reservation app represents 35%, flight ticket reservation app accounts for more than 20% and apps for train tickets, attraction tickets and car rental services account for the rest, according to data released by the company.