If there was any doubt about Ctrip’s desire for world domination, well, there shouldn’t be any now.
James Liang, Ctrip’s co-founder and executive board chairman
During its annual meeting “Joining Hands for Success” in Shanghai, Ctrip’s co-founder and executive board chairman James Liang 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 that 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,” said Liang.
That mission to the biggest and the best is also underscored with the determination to lead the industry in innovation, said Liang. He said 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,” said Liang.
Liang closing statement said “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”.
Source for full text of speech: AP
