In a new twist OTAs LY.com and Qunar are launching movie tickets group buy booking service on their websites, a service that mainly targets their existing users.
LY.com’s cinema ticketing channel is already online and has launched promotions offering free viewing and tickets for just RMB19.9. Users can make unlimited bookings for movies showing in any of the 2,000-plus cinemas across China in LY.com’s service network during the promotion period.
Qunar has also launched a movie ticketing service on its official site. While available only via its app, users can book tickets for any cinema within Qunar’s intercity network and get a 50% discount on tickets.
One observer said that OTAs are launching movie ticketing services to tap into the increasing popularity of movie-going by consumers and to bolster market penetration of their apps by leveraging a popular booking service. (Translation by David)
