China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is investigating Alibaba Group unit Hangzhou Taomei Aviation Services for suspected unfair competition violations. The probe is part of a broader regulatory action targeting online hotel and travel booking platforms, including Meituan.
The investigation follows a joint meeting between SAMR and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to address industry practices as Beijing seeks to bolster domestic consumption. Alibaba and other involved companies confirmed they are cooperating with the authorities.
No market reaction was recorded as the news was released on a Saturday.