China Travel Net, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based China Travel Services (CTS), yesterday said it would form a partnership with Synergi, a global travel-management company, to capture the fast-growing corporate travel market in Hong Kong.

The deal makes China Travel Net, a newly-formed corporate travel division of CTS, the exclusive partner of Synergi in Hong Kong; and follows China Travel International (CTI), also a subsidiary of CTS, becoming the mainland partner of Synergi.

"The potential for business travel needs in China, including the Hong Kong region, is enormous, hence the opportunities in business travel management," Zhang Xuewu, vice chairman and general manager of CTS said at a press conference.

He said the company's decision to form business partnerships with Synergi both in Hong Kong and on the mainland shows the firm's determination to reinforce its business travel management leg of its business.

"With the advantages of our nationwide network plus advanced technology and the professionalism of Synergi, we will definitely create a win-win situation for both of us," Zhang said.

It is believed that the partnership with Synergi, which has an annual turnover of US$12 billion and a presence in more than 50 countries, would enable China Travel Net to upgrade its existing online booking system and advance in its travel management services.

Yiu Si-wing, general manager of China Travel Net, said: "Our target is to upgrade the existing online reservation system, especially for international flight reservations, in order to accommodate the needs of corporate clients locally and globally."

China Travel Net has 70 staff and is developing online services for various travel products, such as ticketing of air, train, ferry and cross-border bus services; booking of hotels, packaged tours and cruises.

Greg O'Neil, president of Synergi, said the mainland and Hong Kong offer immense opportunities for business travel as more multinational companies establish operations in the markets.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council figures, the Chinese travel market is expected to grow 22 per cent to US$70 billion in 2004, he said.

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