The blend of technology, leveraging virtually every living space available in a destination, space design etc. is shaping up new ways of how and where one stays while travelling.
In 2017, InnJoy netted approximately RMB 5 million in total revenue, RMB 3 million of which was from the hotel business, and RMB 2 million from the smart home appliance business.
Chinese technology companies are making steady progress in artificial intelligence (AI), leveraging the technology to simplify travel planning and buying, and enabling communication in foreign destinations.
Meituan is targeting cross-selling of hotel accommodation, a low-frequency service, by capitalizing on stickiness for often-bought services such as food delivery and in-store dining.
By investing in homestay brand Youjia, Ctrip aims to build quality home-share inventory and move up the supply chain.
Major carriers including China Eastern, Air China and China Southern have raised economy-class fares for flights between Beijing and Shanghai amid fierce competition on the prime route.
The Chinese hotel group had a market capitalization of around USD 12.8 billion as of June 26, trailing just behind Marriott, Hilton and Accor.
Companies like Huazhu Group and Wyndham aren't averse to experimenting. Importantly, standardization of a hotel category doesn't mean being "fixed" for these companies.