Italy’s antitrust authority has imposed hefty fines totaling €20 million on several ticketing agencies accused of manipulating access to one of the country’s most iconic landmarks—the Roman Colosseum. The decision follows a 2023 investigation that revealed how these companies made it nearly impossible for travelers to purchase standard tickets at official prices.
According to the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), the agencies used aggressive ticket-hoarding tactics that created a “substantial and prolonged unavailability” of regular admission tickets. Instead, tourists were forced to pay inflated prices for bundled packages that included extras like guided tours or skip-the-line privileges.
The investigation found that the Cooperative Culture Society, responsible for managing Colosseum ticket sales from 1997 to 2024, received the largest fine—€7 million—for not preventing automated systems from stockpiling tickets and for prioritizing its own tour packages.
Six additional operators based in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland were also fined for using bots and other automated tools to buy large volumes of tickets, leaving individual tourists with few alternatives.
While the Colosseum’s standard entry price is just €18 for adults—which grants visitors 20 minutes on the monument’s main floor—many were forced to pay much more due to limited availability through official channels.
The Colosseum was Italy’s most visited cultural site in 2023, drawing over 12.3 million visitors. However, its director declined to comment on the situation.
This case highlights ongoing concerns around fair access to major tourist attractions, especially in an era where automated systems are increasingly used to manipulate online sales.