Airbnb has another distribution partner to help boost its hotel inventory. But this time it is aimed squarely at expanding its presence in China.
The agreement is similar to others that have been signed (beginning with SiteMinder) that give hotels the chance to distribute their content on Airbnb since it officially opened up to non-private accommodation in early-2018.
This particular deal, with Shiji Distribution Solutions, is aimed primarily at giving hotels and other accommodation providers in China the opportunity to get content on Airbnb.
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Airbnb is not the market-leader in China (a role it enjoys elsewhere in other markets), as it competes with the likes of Tujia in the homestay sector.
The Shiji deal will give it a considerable boost with getting inventory from hotels and accelerate its accommodation supply strategy in the country.
Anson Lau, managing director of Shiji Distribution Solutions, says: "As a leading distribution solution for hotels in the Chinese market we’re always looking to increase the number of distribution channels that hotels can use to reach their potential guests.
"By partnering with Airbnb we’re looking forward to helping our hotel and accommodation clients reach new markets."
The importance of the collaboration to Airbnb in China is illustrated by the launch of a "roadshow" where the company and Shiji executives will promote the partnership to existing and new accommodation providers.
The addition of hotels to the Airbnb weaponry in 2018 came with a bold battle cry from CEO Brian Chesky who positioned the company up against Expedia and Booking.com.
In China, alongside Tujia, Airbnb will face competition from the likes of Ctrip and countless other online travel agencies.
Q&A: Tujia
Chief business officer Jennifer Li on Chinese homestays, overseas growth, Airbnb.