Expedia to grow China operations

Expedia Inc sees massive opportunities in China, not only in terms of inbound as well as outbound Chinese tourists but overseas travelers visiting the country, said a senior executive of the international travel company.

Mieke De Schepper, vice-president of Expedia Lodging Partner Services, Asia Pacific, said the company has just finished roadshows in China to deepen associations with its local business partners.

Expedia's presence in China is in the form of partnerships with Ctrip.com International Ltd and eLong Inc. It has also launched a China-specific Expedia website. "It is very early stages but this is the start of something big for us," said De Schepper.