The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has sanctioned the Association of Tourist Information Guides of the Azores (AGITA) for setting minimum fees to be charged by its members, as well as establishing the subsequent increase of these fees, in the provision of tourist guide services in the Azores, with the object of preventing, distorting, or appreciably restricting competition.
The investigation conducted by the AdC proved that AGITA's conduct persisted continuously from November 2020 until the date of the Final Decision, having begun when the Association recommended, via email to its members, the adoption of the prices listed in a fee table as minimum prices for that activity.
In February 2024, the AdC became aware, through a complaint, of AGITA's anticompetitive practice. In June 2024, the Authority ordered the opening of the relevant administrative proceedings against AGITA. In April 2025, the AdC adopted a Statement of Objections. Subsequently, based on the investigation carried out, on the reply to the Statement of Objections presented by AGITA and on the oral hearings held, the AdC adopted a Final Decision sanctioning AGITA.
A decision by an association of undertakings to fix prices represents a high degree of harm to competition and is therefore prohibited under Article 9 of Law 19/2012 of 8 May ("Portuguese Competition Law") and Article 101 of the TFEU.