Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2026-01-15 08:33Core Viewpoint - The State Administration for Market Regulation has initiated an antitrust investigation into Ctrip Group for suspected abuse of market dominance, particularly in its hotel business operations [1][6]. Group 1: Investigation Background - The investigation is based on prior checks and is in accordance with the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China [1]. - Ctrip holds a significant market share in the online travel industry, particularly in hotel bookings and flight ticketing [1]. - Complaints from numerous merchants indicate that Ctrip imposes unreasonable terms and conditions, leading to claims of market manipulation [2][3]. Group 2: Merchant Complaints - Merchants have reported difficulties in adjusting prices on Ctrip, with some stating that their pricing autonomy has been completely taken away [2]. - The "price adjustment assistant" feature has been a point of contention, with merchants struggling to disable it despite repeated attempts [2]. - Ctrip's "choose one from two" policy, which may force merchants into exclusive agreements, is also under scrutiny [2][3]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Ctrip's market share in the hotel and travel market is projected to reach 56% by 2024, with its closest competitor holding only 13% [3]. - The company has expanded its operations to over 120,000 international hotels across more than 200 countries, as well as 750,000 hotels in over 600 cities in China [3]. - Merchants face high commission rates, with total commission costs potentially nearing 40% when including hidden fees [4]. Group 4: Financial Performance - Despite the challenges faced by merchants, Ctrip's financial performance has been strong, with a projected net profit of 17.2 billion yuan in 2024, a 72% increase year-on-year [4]. - Approximately 40% of Ctrip's revenue comes from hotel booking services [4]. Group 5: Regulatory Context - The investigation is part of a broader effort by the government to address "involutionary" competition, which is characterized by low-quality, low-price competition that undermines long-term business viability [6]. - The new Anti-Unfair Competition Law, effective from 2025, aims to regulate practices such as forced low-cost sales and manipulation of market rules [6]. Group 6: Potential Consequences - If found guilty of abusing its market position, Ctrip could face administrative fines and confiscation of illegal gains, with penalties ranging from 1% to 10% of the previous year's sales [7].