Key facts
- China has fined Trip.com Group $765 million for monopolistic conduct.
- The company allegedly forced hotels into exclusive deals and lowest-rate pledges.
- Regulators stated Trip.com's actions restricted competition and harmed consumers.
- Trip.com acknowledged the decision and will comply with the penalties.
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced on Saturday that it has imposed penalties totaling nearly 5.2 billion yuan ($765 million) on Trip.com Group for monopolistic conduct. The online travel giant, which operates Ctrip and Skyscanner, is accused of abusing its dominant market position since 2020.
According to the regulator, Trip.com engaged in practices such as forcing partner hotels into exclusive agreements and demanding they offer the lowest rates on its platform. This behavior allegedly restricted market competition, limited consumer choice, and infringed upon hotels' pricing autonomy.
The penalties include the confiscation of over 1.6 billion yuan ($245 million) in illegal gains and a fine of more than 3.5 billion yuan ($520 million). Trip.com has also been ordered to refund approximately 122 million yuan ($18 million) that it had withheld from hotel operators.
Trip.com acknowledged the decision, stating that it "sincerely accepts and will resolutely comply" with the penalties and will implement the required rectification measures.