China fines Trip.com nearly USD 1bn over hotel booking monopoly

Dhaka: China has imposed a CNY 5.2 billion (USD 992 million) penalty on Trip.com Group after finding the online travel giant abused its dominant position in the country's hotel booking market through anti-competitive practices.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said the penalty includes CNY 3.52 billion in fines and the confiscation of CNY 1.66 billion in illegal gains. The regulator also ordered Trip.com to refund CNY 122 million in booking deposits withheld from hotel operators.

According to the antitrust watchdog, Trip.com used platform rules, traffic allocation mechanisms and technical measures to secure exclusive partnerships with hotels, limiting their ability to list rooms on competing platforms or independently set prices. Authorities said the practices harmed market competition and reduced consumer choice.

The investigation began in January following complaints from hotel operators alleging unfair contract terms and pricing restrictions.

In a statement, Trip.com said it accepted the regulator's decision and pledged to fully implement all required corrective measures to strengthen compliance.

The enforcement action comes as Beijing continues its broader crackdown on anti-competitive behavior among major internet platforms. Chinese authorities have intensified scrutiny of dominant technology companies in recent years, arguing that unfair competition and aggressive pricing practices have distorted markets and placed pressure on businesses.