The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Booking.com B.V., Booking.com International B.V., and Booking.com (Italia) S.r.l. for alleged unfair commercial practices related to their Preferred Partner Programme and Preferred Plus tier. AGCM is concerned that accommodation providers in these programmes receive greater visibility, prominence, and quality claims on the platform despite eligibility criteria being driven by commission levels rather than service quality. Inspections were carried out at Booking.com (Italia) S.r.l. by AGCM officials together with the Guardia di Finanza Special Antitrust Unit.