eLong, an online travel service provider in China, posted operating profit of RMB12 million (US$1.8 million) for the third quarter of this year, a year-on-year increase of 104%. Revenue increased 42% from a year earlier to RMB138 million.
The company attributed the growth to the higher profit margin from its hotel booking services business as well as increases in commission from air ticket bookings.
As of the end of October, the Nasdaq-listed firm had provided booking services for 15,000 domestic hotels, up 54% year-on-year.
China Knowledge reports that in the fourth quarter, eLong is aiming for revenue of between RMB116 million and RMB126 million.
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