Rome is facing issues of overcrowding and misbehavior from tourists at the Trevi Fountain, prompting the city’s tourism chief to propose a reservation system to manage visitor traffic. Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s deputy mayor of tourism, highlights the need to make tourism sustainable and compatible with the daily life of residents. Balancing the preservation of local quality of life with tourism growth is a challenge faced by many popular destinations, including Rome. Onorato’s plan includes introducing a reservation system with a mandatory entry and exit, as well as a nominal fee for tourists to access the fountain.
Implementing a reservation system at the Trevi Fountain aims to create a more organized and serene experience for visitors while protecting the monument from damage caused by overcrowding. With Rome experiencing record-breaking visitor numbers, the city is under pressure to find solutions that address both the economic benefits of tourism and the impact on local residents. By charging a symbolic fee for tourist access, funds can be used to hire staff to manage visitor flows and ensure proper behavior at the fountain.
In addition to managing tourist flows at the Trevi Fountain, Rome is also focusing on regulating short-term rentals in the city. The rapid increase in short-term rental properties has contributed to making Rome less affordable for locals, prompting the city government to crack down on illegal listings. With over 30,000 short-term rental units in Rome, the city has implemented registration and building code requirements to slow down new openings. However, the lack of clear regulations at the national level inhibits the city’s ability to ban non-hotel facilities in the historic center.
Onorato emphasizes the need for the national government to empower local administrations with the authority to regulate short-term rentals according to the specific needs of individual cities. Rome’s efforts to curb overtourism and protect residents from the negative impacts of tourism reflect a broader trend seen in cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and Greece. By introducing measures such as reservation systems and crackdowns on short-term rentals, Rome seeks to strike a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the city’s cultural heritage and quality of life. Collaboration between national and local authorities is key to implementing effective regulations that support sustainable tourism growth.
