Effective 7 April 2026, new legislation governing user‑generated reviews for hotels and restaurants becomes applicable throughout Italy.
The association Assoutenti noted that, although Law 34/2026 (DDL PMI) has been enacted, its full implementation depends on detailed guidelines that must be issued by the Antitrust Authority in cooperation with Agcom and other relevant bodies.
Under the new framework, a review will only be deemed valid if it is posted within 30 days of the consumer’s stay or purchase and originates from an individual who actually experienced the service or product.
Assoutenti further clarified that reviews must reflect the genuine characteristics of the establishment, cannot be tied to discounts, perks or other incentives, and are presumed authentic when supported by fiscal documentation. Reviews older than two years lose their legal standing due to diminished relevance.
The regulation also strengthens the ability of hotels and restaurants to flag non‑compliant reviews, using the reporting mechanisms provided by the platforms on which the content appears.
For the rules to be fully operative, the Antitrust Authority must, after consulting Agcom, the Data Protection Authority, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made‑in‑Italy, and the Ministry of Tourism, publish specific procedural guidelines for businesses.
“This measure supports both consumers and operators,” said President Gabriele Melluso. “Opaque or misleading handling of reviews distorts market functioning and undermines consumer choice.”
Source: www.cereport.eu
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