Launch of Marriott-Branded Alibaba Storefront, & Li Yu and Fliggy’s Post Post Pay (PPP)
Franchise Management Companies in the U.S. & Canada | Marriott International and Alibaba partnered in a digital lodging joint venture to redefine the travel experience for Chinese consumers traveling both domestically and abroad. The JV combines Alibaba’s digital retail leadership and consumer insights with the power of Marriott’s global portfolio of brands and unparalleled travel expertise to build a best-in-class digital organization in China that strengthens Marriott’s Chinese language digital channels and reduces distribution costs for hotel owners and franchisees.
China is one of the fastest growing markets for international travel. It is expected that 220 million people will travel outbound from China in 2025, making it the largest source of outbound travelers in the world. Chinese travelers spend more than other travelers and prefer to use methods such as Alipay for their expenses. This is a fundamental opportunity for Marriott to leverage the Alibaba platform, data, and algorithms, combined with our own, to target potentially 550 million monthly active users in China. The implementation of Fliggy Post Post Pay and Li Yu will allow Chinese travelers to feel confident about selecting a Marriott Rewards and SPG property and comfortable exploring the world.
DEPLOYMENT DETAILS
Deployment of Li Yu and PPP including preparation and training, is scheduled to begin in March. Your support is critical to the success of the program. Participating hotels will be required to engage in a 4-week deployment, including Chinese mindset training and program certification via Land-It. The total training time for impacted associates is expected to be approximately 30 minutes.
Properties that do not participate will still be available for reservations on Fliggy, however, the hotel will not have the significant designation that shows it participates in Marriott’s Chinese Traveler program, Li Yu and Post Post Pay.
COSTS
Costs for Li Yu are limited to the incremental cost of additional amenities for Li Yu guests, if not already in place. Li Yu comfort amenities are required for participating hotels. It may cost approximately 75 USD upfront to stock items that you may not already have. It is an estimated 2.00 USD per room cost for each Li Yu reservation for ongoing charges.
Costs for PPP will follow the normal travel agent commission processes and rates are competitive with other commissionable rates.
ACTION NEEDED AND NEXT STEPS
- U.S. Hotels – All hotels will be provided with details to opt-in via Land-It and must do so by March 19 to participate in this deployment.
- Canada Hotels – The program will be required for Managed by Marriott hotels, and franchised hotels will be included in the program unless they opt-out by emailing LiYuSupport@marriott.com by March 19.
This will be communicated by Weekly Update and their Land-It task list available on March 5. We strongly recommend that hotels in key gateway markets participate and we appreciate your support in encouraging them to do so.
QUESTIONS
Please visit the MGS pages for Li Yu and Fliggy Post Post Pay for additional information. For more information on the Joint Venture, view the original press release and FAQs. If you have any additional questions, please direct them to LiYuSupport@marriott.com.
