ChinaTravelNews – A public spat erupted between OTA Tuniu and 17 of its Chinese tour operators on April 23. CYTS， Utour， ETI Holidays, Caissa Touristic and Nanhu Travel issued a joint statement that they would terminate business partnerships with Tuniu on July 15 which Tuniu immediately countered by pulling Utour's products off its online platform for alleged breach of contract.
The China National Tourism Administration responded the following day, its investigative panel told media the case of 17 tour operators withholding product supplies for Tuniu would be seriously dealt with, as disruptive incidents like this are increasing in frequency in recent years.
Tuniu and Utour conflict took a new turn when the 17 tour operators resumed their partnership with Tuniu on April 26.
In a joint statement, the companies said: “The 18 travel companies, including Utour and Tuniu, held thorough discussions with the industry regulatory body, tourism associations, and major travel wholesalers and retailer this week, and have reached a consensus acknowledging the importance of working together to maintain market order with the uninterrupted supply of quality products and services, and grow the industry with concerted efforts.”
According to the agreement, the 18 travel companies including CITS, CTS, CYTS, UTour, Tuniu, ETI Holidays, Phoenix Tourism, Vista and Caissa Touristic will resume normal partner relations. The companies will support CNTA's effort to maintain a fair and orderly tourism market environment and will work together to promote a healthy national tourism industry.(Translation by David)
