Ctrip is seeking to expand overseas presence by developing its catering services. The company has issued its own restaurant evaluation list to compete with Michelin and Meituan Dianping.

Ctrip Gourmet, Ctrip’s institute for gourmet appraisal launched in 2016, released its 2018 ‘Local Restaurant Recommendation’ Gourmet List on June 22 in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the first publication of a Chinese eatery list in a foreign country.

By the end of 2017, Gourmet List covers approximately 15,000 restaurants in 120 popular destinations both in China and around the world. 

Rival Meituan Dianping does not enjoy the same advantages in the overseas markets as it has in China’s domestic catering market, meaning the Ctrip Gourmet List still has great leeway to expand abroad.

In contrast to the Michelin Guide which centers on non-Chinese tastes, Ctrip’s Gourmet List focuses on Chinese people’s catering culture and customs and its evaluations are closer to Chinese people’s tastes and preferences. This difference generates the advantage enabling it to compete with Michelin abroad.

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