The landscape for Chinese travel agents is changing following regulatory reform.

Chinese travel agents are set to benefit from the recent distribution systems deregulation, affording them greater access to advanced technologies and sales opportunities.

In October, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) permitted foreign airlines to use global distribution systems and China has since witnessed double-digit booking growth for airlines across all reservation platforms.

Although China’s agency market is highly fragmented and dominated by regional players, the deregulation will bestow local players with greater support and lift the standard of retail travel technology practices."

Travel agencies vying for the corporate business travel market will be able to use the freedom acquired from the regulatory changes to make unique deals with airlines for exclusive corporate business.

Chinese agents can expect everything from front-office shopping, business support solutions and BSP data service to content availability and real-time access in light of the regulatory reforms.