Ctrip and Tencent Team Up for IPO to Back Emerging Chinese Travel Brand

Photo Credit: Pictured are tourists taking a photo of Palais Garnier in Paris on July 31, 2010. Tongcheng-Elong claims to be the third leading player in Chinese online travel. It is backed by Tencent and Ctrip, the market leader. Flickr.com / zoetnet
Skift Take
It appeared several years ago that Ctrip had locked up the Chinese online travel market when it took control of Qunar and Elong, but that ship has sailed. The emergence of Meituan and now Tongcheng-Elong's initial public offering make it clear that many players will scramble for market leadership.