Ctrip and iQiyi in premium services partnership

Online video website iQiyi and online tourism agency Ctrip yesterday announced a partnership for a premium membership system offering paying users special travel and entertainment services.

The partnership between the Nasdaq-listed companies gives customers access to premium products on both platforms.

These include iQiyi’s no-advertising service, exclusive videos and high-definition videos and Ctrip’s travel coupons, lounge access and free-cancelation policy.

“We want to establish an ecosystem to better serve our users on both entertainment and trips, whether they are at home or on the road,” said Yang Xianghua, president of iQiyi’s membership and overseas business group.

Chinese customers are now more willing to pay for premium services, creating a growing market for tailored products.

IQiyi, with more than 80 million paid users, has a similar premium partnership with online retailer JD.com.

Ctrip is now China’s biggest online travel agency.