Rome sets historic tourism record in 2024: balancing growth and preservation

Jan 22, 2025 5081

BY: We the Italians Editorial Staff

In 2024, Rome achieved a historic milestone in tourism, recording 51.4 million overnight stays and 22.2 million arrivals. This represents a 4.5% increase in overnight stays and a 5.63% rise in arrivals compared to the previous record set in 2023, according to data from the Ente Bilaterale del Turismo del Lazio.

The surge in tourism has also led to discussions about managing the influx to preserve the city's heritage and residents' quality of life. In September 2024, Councillor Onorato proposed implementing a reservation system with a nominal fee of two euros for tourists to access the Trevi Fountain area, allowing for 30-minute viewing slots. This measure aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a more enjoyable experience for visitors, while maintaining free access for Rome's residents.

Additionally, the city is addressing the proliferation of short-term rentals, which have nearly doubled from 17,000 in 2018 to over 30,000 in 2024. This increase has contributed to a decline in permanent residents in the historic center and raised concerns about the preservation of local identity and housing availability. Councillor Onorato has called on the national government to grant local authorities the power to regulate new openings of bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, aiming to protect the historic center's character and residents' rights.

These initiatives reflect Rome's commitment to balancing the benefits of record-breaking tourism with the need to preserve its cultural heritage and ensure a high quality of life for its residents.

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