Italy’s competition watchdog has fined six ticketing agencies a total of €20 million (US$22 million) for practices that restricted public access to standard-priced tickets for the Colosseum, one of the country’s most visited monuments.
The Cooperative Culture Society, which oversaw Colosseum ticketing from 1997 to 2024, was hit with the largest fine – €7 million (US$7.7 million) – for practices that allegedly forced tourists to purchase premium tickets bundled with extras such as tour guides or fast-track entry, rather than standard admission.
Five other tour operators, based in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland, were also fined for using automated bots to bulk-buy basic tickets. According to the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), this made it harder for individual travellers to access the standard €18 (US$20) tickets online.
The AGCM did not disclose the mark-up amounts added by the operators. However, the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, which is part of Italy’s Culture Ministry, lists basic adult entry at €18 (US$20), allowing visitors a 20-minute visit to the Colosseum’s main floor.
The director of the Colosseum declined to comment on the sanctions.
The ancient amphitheatre drew over 12.3 million visitors last year, making it a prime target for resellers seeking profit through inflated ticket prices.