Colosseum Ticket Sales Firms Fined Nearly €20 Million for Unfair Practices
The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM), also known as Antitrust, has levied substantial fines totaling nearly €20 million against seven companies involved in ticket sales for the iconic Colosseum in Rome. Among those penalized is CoopCulture, which has managed the official ticket sales service from 1997 through 2024. The other companies fined include major travel operators such as GetYourGuide Deutschland, Tiqets International, City Wonders, Musement, Italy With Family, and Walks.
The fines have been imposed for engaging in unfair commercial practices that have made accessing tickets for the Colosseum increasingly difficult for consumers. A significant factor contributing to this situation is the use of automated tools and bots by travel operators, which swiftly purchase all available tickets as soon as they are released. This practice has led to prolonged periods where tickets were unavailable, creating a scenario similar to online ticket scalping.
As a direct result of these practices, visitors often find themselves having to purchase tickets from secondary platforms that offer bundled services, driving up costs beyond the regular ticket fare. The AGCM claims that the official sales service provided by CoopCulture did not take adequate measures to prevent these automated purchasing mechanisms from operating, effectively limiting consumer access to tickets.
The investigation into these practices began in July 2023. CoopCulture received the largest fine of €7 million, as the AGCM concluded that the organization played a significant role in exacerbating the ticket scarcity. Additionally, they were found to be reserving a considerable portion of tickets specifically for sales linked with educational tours, from which they generated substantial economic benefits.
This situation is a well-known issue that many consumers have long criticized, showcasing the ongoing challenges faced by those looking to experience one of the world’s most famous historical sites. The Antitrust's decision signals a clear stance on protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair access to ticket sales, especially for such globally significant attractions.
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