City Wonders Response to Italian Competition Authority Decision
City Wonders: “We operate in full compliance with the rules. We will appeal to the TAR against this unfounded decision”
Dublin, April 8, 2025 – In response to the sanction announced today by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), regarding the alleged use of bots to purchase tickets for the Colosseum Archaeological Park in 2022–2023 by certain tourism operators, City Wonders expresses surprise and strong disagreement with the Authority’s conclusions and announces that it will file an appeal with the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio to protect its reputation and confirm the legitimacy of its conduct.
“City Wonders did not use automated tools to purchase tickets. All purchases were made manually, in full compliance with the law and the procedures established by the official ticketing provider, CoopCulture,” said Ross Mantione, President and COO of City Wonders.
“We provided all relevant information transparently and promptly to clarify our position. For this reason, we consider the decision to be unfounded and inconsistent with the facts.”
Founded over twenty years ago, City Wonders is one of Europe’s leading companies in the travel experience and cultural tour sector, having served millions of travelers worldwide. The company has always placed transparency, commercial integrity, and cultural heritage protection at the core of its mission.
City Wonders remains fully committed to defending the integrity of its operations in every appropriate venue, and to continuing to offer valuable experiences to travelers and partners, in full compliance with the rules and in support of the tourism industry.