The Public Consumer Initiative (PCI) has formally proposed that the Ministry of Economic Development include the Chinese travel service Trip.com in the national register of intermediary digital platforms. This move, initiated on August 19, 2026, aims to enforce stricter oversight on the global booking provider, which has significantly expanded its footprint in the Russian Federation over the last few years. If approved, the designation would require the platform to increase transparency regarding its corporate structure and operational algorithms within the local market.
Regulatory Pressures and Consumer Protection
The proposal follows an increasing volume of formal grievances submitted by Russian travelers. Reports submitted to Rospotrebnadzor and Roskomnadzor indicate a rise in disputes concerning financial transactions and service quality. The primary issues cited by consumers include:
- Refusals to issue refunds for canceled bookings or tickets.
- Dissemination of inaccurate data regarding flight schedules and hotel availability.
- Persistent and intrusive advertising mailings sent to registered users.
- Lack of a physical Russian representative office, complicating the legal process for filing claims.
Operational Context and Market Growth
Trip.com officially entered the Russian market in 2019, but its presence intensified notably after 2022 as it filled the void left by western booking platforms. Under the current proposal, the company could be legally obliged to localize specific business processes. Localization usually involves hosting user data on local servers and establishing a legal entity capable of responding to judicial summons. According to the PCI, these measures are essential to ensure that foreign digital services operate under the same regulatory standards as domestic competitors.
This action could oblige the company to localize part of its business in Russia, as well as disclose its operational mechanisms and ownership structure.
The potential reclassification of Trip.com marks a significant step in the tightening of digital commerce regulations for international travel intermediaries. As the Ministry of Economic Development reviews the proposal, the outcome will likely determine how foreign-based online travel agencies (OTAs) navigate the legal landscape in Russia. For the time being, travelers are advised to exercise diligence when booking through platforms that do not maintain a local physical presence for dispute resolution.