FOLLOWING the MoU signed between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Alitrip in October last year, Alibaba Group’s online travel platform has now officially begun offering travel products and services for Chinese tourists visiting Singapore.
Travel-related companies in Singapore, including airlines, hotels and agencies, will be retailing on the website, with Ascott, Resorts World Sentosa and Six Stars Tours already present.
Alitrip president Li Shaohua, said: “Singapore has been a preferred travel destination for Chinese visitors, backed by its rich tourism resources, streamlined visa procedures for Chinese visitors, wide use of Chinese and ease of access by air travel.
“We hope to bring consumers and service providers closer together so travellers can easily obtain first-hand travel products and services, while Singaporean merchants also grow their commercial opportunities,” Li added.
Quek Choon Yang, chief technology officer of STB, said: “Our deepened collaboration with Alitrip aims to further boost direct sales and bookings of Singapore’s travel products online, creating a holistic and enjoyable experience for Chinese outbound tourists.”
According to Quek, China is Singapore’s second largest contributor to international arrivals, with some 1.8 million tourists visiting from January to October 2015, a year-on-year growth of more than 20 per cent.
