Trip.com Clashes With Tour Group Operators as It Seeks More Control

Online travel agency Trip.com Group Ltd. has been embroiled in a brouhaha with tour group operators on its platform since the company moved to take control of customer service and contracting and exert greater control over pricing.

It’s a move that merchants say could give the travel giant a bigger cut of profits — but one that risks driving them into the arms of a growing number of alternative platforms.