Tourists visiting the iconic Colosseum in Rome can soon expect a smoother ticket-buying experience thanks to a major crackdown by Italian authorities. The Italian Competition Authority has fined several ticketing agencies a total of $22 million for practices that made it nearly impossible for visitors to buy basic online tickets, according to reports from The Associated Press (AP).
In 2023, the Colosseum, one of the world’s most famous Roman landmarks, attracted over 12 million international travelers. However, many visitors struggled to purchase straightforward entry tickets due to agencies bundling them with expensive tour packages or line-skipping privileges, significantly driving up prices.
The investigation, initiated in July 2023, revealed that companies like the Cooperative Culture Society—which managed Colosseum ticket sales from 1997 to 2024—engaged in ticket hoarding and bundling practices that exploited tourists. With approximately six million Americans visiting Italy last year, this crackdown comes as a welcome relief for travelers seeking affordable Colosseum tickets and genuine access to Rome’s ancient history.
This enforcement action is expected to enhance transparency in the Rome travel market and improve the overall visitor experience at the Colosseum, ensuring that tourists can purchase entry tickets directly online without unnecessary markups or bundled extras.
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