Italy: Italian Competition Authority opened investigation into Booking over alleged unfair commercial practices

On 22 April 2026, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) opened an investigation into Booking over alleged unfair commercial practices. The investigation concerns the presentation of accommodation listed under the Partner Preferred and Partner Preferred Plus programmes. The AGCM alleges that Booking grants properties in these programmes preferential search rankings, enhanced visual elements, and claims emphasising service quality and value for money, despite the admission criteria not being capable of substantiating those advantages. According to the AGCM, selection into the Partner Preferred programmes is based primarily on the level of commission paid to Booking.com rather than on the qualitative characteristics of the properties. The AGCM considers that this presentation may mislead consumers into believing that Partner Preferred properties offer superior value for money compared to non-participating properties with equivalent features, potentially leading consumers to select higher-priced options. On 21 April 2026, AGCM officials conducted inspections at the premises of Booking with the assistance of the Special Antitrust Unit of the Financial Police.