Italy's Antitrust Watchdog Fines Travel Booking Site Prenotazioni24 €500,000
Rome - Italy's competition watchdog has fined online travel booking platform Prenotazioni24 €500,000 for unfair commercial practices, the latest in a string of regulatory actions against tech companies in the country.
The Antitrust Authority found that Prenotazioni24 used website names and branding similar to major ferry and cruise operators it resells tickets for, misleading consumers about the direct connection to those companies. The regulator also said Prenotazioni24 failed to clearly disclose the fees it charges on top of ticket prices.
In a separate case, the Antitrust Authority fined e-commerce pharmacy Talea Group €2 million for delayed deliveries and slow refunds to customers, also deemed unfair commercial practices.
The crackdown on Prenotazioni24 underscores Italy's increasingly tough stance toward digital platforms accused of deceptive marketing tactics or unfair treatment of consumers. Authorities have targeted a range of tech firms, from ride-hailing apps to food delivery services, as they seek to rein in what they see as abusive practices.
"The Antitrust Authority is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate companies misleading consumers, whether in travel bookings or e-commerce," said Luca Moroni, a regulatory expert at Milan-based law firm Gianni & Origoni. "These fines show the watchdog is willing to use its full enforcement powers."
The Prenotazioni24 case dates back to an investigation launched in April 2022. Regulators found the company's websites used names and visual branding too similar to major ferry and cruise brands, causing confusion for customers about the relationship.
Prenotazioni24 also promoted its own travel comparison site, www.traghetti.it, without adequately disclosing it was the company's own platform rather than an independent aggregator, the Antitrust Authority said.
The fine comes as Prenotazioni24's parent company, a major Italian travel tech group, has been exploring strategic options including a potential sale. Industry analysts say the regulatory action could complicate those plans and put pressure on the firm's valuation.
Representatives for Prenotazioni24 and its parent did not respond to requests for comment.
The Talea Group case involved allegations the e-commerce pharmacy delivered some orders late or only partially, while also delaying refunds to customers. The Antitrust Authority said these practices amounted to unfair commercial behavior.
The two fines are the latest in a series of regulatory actions targeting the digital economy in Italy. Authorities have taken aim at everything from gig economy labor practices to the market power of big tech platforms.
"Italian regulators are increasingly willing to flex their muscles when it comes to protecting consumers from what they see as exploitative or deceptive tactics, even by established industry players," said Moroni. "Companies need to tread carefully to avoid running afoul of the rules."
This fine against Prenotazioni24 highlights the heightened scrutiny travel booking platforms are facing from regulators in Italy over misleading marketing and hidden fees. As the online travel industry becomes more competitive, companies will need to be more transparent with consumers to avoid similar enforcement actions that can damage brand reputation and erode customer trust.