PRESS RELEASE 02/2026
January 29, 2026

The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has fined the Azores Tourist Information Guides Association (Associação de Guias de Informação Turística dos Açores – AGITA) for an infringement of competition rules consisting of the fixing of minimum prices to be charged for tourist guide services in the Azores archipelago.
The AdC’s investigation concluded that AGITA recommended to its members, by email, the adoption of a fee schedule as minimum prices. This practice was implemented on a continuous basis from November 2020 until the date of the final decision and had the object of appreciably restricting competition.
AGITA, which was established in 2020, is the only association in the sector in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and, as at December 2025, had 57 active members, representing around 43% of tourist guides operating in the region.
The Portuguese Competition Act expressly prohibits decisions by associations of undertakings which have as their object or effect the direct or indirect fixing of prices. Such conduct constitutes one of the most serious infringements of competition law, as it harms consumers, reduces competitiveness and undermines the economy.
The proceedings originated from a complaint received by the AdC in February 2024. Following indications of an infringement, administrative offence proceedings were opened in June 2024, pursuant to the Competition Law and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
The investigation involved several investigative measures, including requests for information and interviews. In April 2025, the AdC adopted a Statement of Objections, after which AGITA fully exercised its rights of defence, including the right to an oral hearing. Following the assessment of the case, the AdC adopted the present final infringement decision.
A fine of EUR 8,200 was imposed on AGITA. In setting the amount of the fine, the AdC took into account the seriousness and duration of the infringement, the association’s degree of involvement and its economic situation, in accordance with the Competition Law, which provides that fines imposed on associations of undertakings may not exceed 10% of the turnover in the preceding financial year.
The AdC recalls that, while business associations play an important role in representing and supporting undertakings, they must not interfere with the commercial autonomy of their members, in particular through price fixing or the coordination of other commercial conditions. Such practices distort competition and undermine market efficiency.
As part of its advocacy mission, the AdC makes available on its website a Guide for Business Associations, aimed at clarifying conduct to be avoided and promoting the benefits of competition. This investigation forms part of the AdC’s enhanced enforcement action against regionally based restrictive practices, in line with its strategy of proximity to businesses and citizens, including the initiative “20 years, 20 cities – competition comes to you!”.