Ctrip, China’s leading online travel agency, has announced that it has reached a strategic partnership agreement with French Ligue 1 football club OGC Nice.

This news follows the report that a group of Chinese and American investors has purchased an 80% share in the French Ligue 1 football club. According to earlier reports, the two principal investors are Alex Zheng, president of the hotel-owning Plateno Group, and Chien Lee, founder and chief executive of NewCity Capital.

This agreement will see the Chinese agency become the exclusive travel partner of the club for the 2016/17 French Ligue 1 season. Ctrip, as an official strategic partner in China, will also support Nice while playing in the UEFA Europa League and hosting soccer training camps.

Ctrip is also looking to launch bespoke travel packages for soccer fans. This will enable them to have access to tourist attractions in Nice, the UEFA Europa League, French Ligue 1 as well as interacting with the club’s players.

In addition, the Chinese company is willing to have OGC Nice play in friendlies against local teams in China. Ctrip will also provide financial support for the training of potential young Chinese players at the French Ligue 1 club.

Source: Ifeng

Proofread by Sean O Diobhilin