Despite claims in a recent article published by the Guardian (‘Parasitic’ ticket touts ‘undermining music festivals’ Covid tracing’, 25 April), the ticket resale market and its legitimate and regulated platforms, like Viagogo, will continue to play a crucial role in the live events industry, particularly as pandemic lockdowns ease. Viagogo is aware that this role comes with responsibilities, and we have a dedicated team in place to ensure all Covid-related safety protocol information is being passed on to ticket buyers.
The resale market is an essential component of the live events industry and will play a part in its resurgence. We provide an important route to sold-out events so fans don’t have to purchase tickets from unregulated markets. We deliver not just access but a high level of consumer protection. As a regulated business, we also undergo an annual compliance audit, and we encourage all players in the secondary ticket market to take similar stringent steps.
Contrary to criticisms, we take our role in the fight against fraud seriously, we move swiftly to deal with it and are constantly reviewing our practices to stop it altogether. We are calling for more integration and collaboration between event organisers, promoters and resale platforms, not just to help end fraud, but to improve the ticket-buying experience for all fans and support the industry in its post-pandemic recovery.
Cris Miller
Managing director, Viagogo
