Expedia Signs Deal with China’s Largest Hotel Owner, Operator

Expedia, Inc. has entered into a marketing partnership with Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company (JJIHMC), the largest hotel owner and operator in China.

As part of the agreement, Jin Jiang, which owns and operates more than 250 hotels, from luxury five-star lodging to economy accommodation, will now make its entire inventory of JJIHMC hotels available to the online travel agency’s customers.

The agreement comes as Jin Jiang has completed its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and plans to expand outside of China, and grow to 500 hotels and inns by 2010.

“Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Co., Ltd., has introduced a new online distribution strategy including the launch of the Central Reservation System (JREZ) powered by system service provider HUBS1. Expedia is a critical component of that strategy,” said Michael Meade, senior vice president of sales and marketing of Jin Jiang Hotels.