Overview of the Investigation

In response to numerous complaints regarding ticket purchasing difficulties at the Roman Colosseum, Italy’s antitrust authority has launched an investigation, leading to substantial fines imposed on ticket agencies. This inquiry began in July 2023, pinpointing issues related to inflated ticket prices.

Findings of the Antitrust Authority

Italy’s Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) has uncovered that many tourists were left with no choice but to pay more than the official ticket prices due to the unavailability of standard tickets. Many were forced into purchasing higher-priced admission or bundled packages that included guided tours or line-skipping options.

As a result, the AGCM has enforced fines totaling nearly €20 million (approximately $21.7 million) against a ticketing company and six associated tour operators for their ticket hoarding practices.

Details of the Penalties

The largest fine was issued to the Cooperative Culture Society, which managed ticket sales for the Colosseum from 1997 until 2004, amounting to €7 million ($7.7 million). The AGCM stated that the ticket hoarding significantly contributed to the “substantial and prolonged unavailability” of reasonably priced tickets for this iconic site.

The Colosseum’s Importance and Visitor Statistics

Built approximately 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum stands as the largest amphitheater from the Roman Empire and is famous for hosting gladiator contests. According to the latest data, visitor numbers for the site reached nearly 13 million in 2023, solidifying its status as one of Italy’s foremost tourist attractions.