If there was any doubt about Ctrip’s desire for world
domination, well, there shouldn’t be any now.
During its annual meeting “Joining Hands for Success” in
Shanghai [January 19], Ctrip co-founder and executive board chairman James Liang’s keynote
speech, which was peppered with superlatives, included its vision for the
future: to become the largest, the strongest and best company in the global
travel industry.
Liang was reported as giving a very optimistic report card
on the long-term prospects of the Chinese economy, and more definitely, those
of the country’s tourism industry.
He pointed out that even while there was a
downward pressure on the overall economy, the tourism industry stayed buoyant
and in fact, outpaced the overall economic growth rate.
He also pointed out tourism’s important role in transforming
China’s economy from one based on production and manufacturing to one based on
services and consumption.
With half of Chinese still living in rural areas, Liang
pointed out the potential for further urbanization, production efficiency and
spending power.
He said this potential “will enable Chinese economy to continue
to be one of the world’s fastest growing economies over the next decade or
two.”
“I am very proud to tell you that in the past quarter our
global GMV that is, gross merchandise volume, has become the highest in the
industry. So you can be proud to tell your friends that Ctrip is the biggest
company in the best industry,” says Liang.
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That mission to be the biggest and the best is also
underscored with the determination to lead the industry in innovation, says
Liang.
He adds Ctrip had already been on this path of innovation, launching
high-speed rail tours, package services and opening thousands of online and
offline stores – “all very important innovations.”
And the superlatives continued. “In the future, we must
continue to work hard to create the best technology, the best services and the
best products.”
It was encouraging that the leader also took time to
underline the importance of creating value for not just its business partners
and customers, but also for society.
He spoke about shouldering more
responsibility and about a commitment to advance public welfare, including
improving educational opportunities among the poor and helping migrant workers.
“We will spare no effort to carry out public welfare
activities in the future and promote the progress of the industry,” says Liang.
Liang’s closing statement says, “We do not only want to be
the biggest company in the best industry, but also the strongest and the best
company in the best industry.”
* This article originally appeared on WIT.