Rome: A City in the Grip of Overtourism

Tourism in Italy has not just bounced back since the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic; it has surged to unprecedented levels, especially in the historic heart of the nation—Rome. Last year, an astonishing 35 million visitors flocked to the Eternal City. With the upcoming Catholic Church Jubilee scheduled for next year, the influx is expected to increase even further.

I moved to Rome in April 2021, at the height of the pandemic, to pursue my PhD. At that time, the city felt surreal, resembling one of Italian director Federico Fellini’s cinematic masterpieces. I vividly recall visiting the iconic Trevi Fountain in broad daylight, where the silence was so profound you could hear a pin drop. Fast forward three years, and the situation has escalated to a point where Rome’s local government is contemplating charging tourists to visit its most cherished landmarks.

‘Overtourism is a plague,’ says a Rome resident

As the city prepares to implement a €2 entry fee for the Trevi Fountain, local residents are expressing concerns that tourism has shifted from being a blessing to becoming a burden on the city’s everyday life. “Overtourism is a plague,” states Anthony Majanlahti, a Rome-based historian and expert on the city’s culture, in an interview with Euronews Travel. He argues that the proposed fee will only exacerbate foot traffic issues in the area, labeling it as a “shameless cash grab.”

“What about the vibrant life that exists in the piazzas, the local shops and bars, or the historic church of SS. Vincenzo ed Anastasio nearby? These elements are overshadowed by the overwhelming presence of tourists,” he reflects. The Trevi Fountain is not the sole victim of this overtourism phenomenon; locals are increasingly frustrated with overcrowded streets that are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

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Other widespread complaints include the rise of Airbnbs and short-term rentals driving up housing costs, public transport becoming an arduous experience, and littering and cleanliness issues. The essence of la dolce vita—the joy of savoring the small rituals that form Italian daily life—has morphed into a series of inconveniences. For instance, I recently had to abandon my favorite café because outdoor seating is now reserved for tourists, while locals are left to grapple with inflated prices that have made the once-affordable €1 espresso a distant memory.

Rome: A Destination Loved for Centuries

Tourism has always been an integral part of Rome’s identity, from the aristocratic travelers of the ‘Grand Tour’ to the modern-day pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. The very neighborhood I reside in, adjacent to the Spanish Steps, was largely established in the 18th century to accommodate an influx of pilgrims. However, today’s tourists seem increasingly disconnected from the city’s essence. It feels as though Rome is reshaping itself to cater to visitors, often at the expense of its own cultural identity.

‘Overtourism’ or Business as Usual? The Statistics Speak

While the COVID-19 pandemic undeniably impacted one of Italy’s most vital sectors—accounting for roughly 10.5% of the national GDP—recent statistics indicate that Italy has successfully attracted back its previous visitors. In fact, the numbers are steadily climbing. “Revenge tourism is very real. People are returning faster and in greater numbers than anticipated,” comments Mitra Talarman, a well-known Rome-based travel guide with a significant online presence.

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Much of Rome’s timeless allure is rooted in its architectural marvels that span three millennia and its romantic ambience. However, the recent spike in tourism can also be attributed to its portrayal in international media, notably in the latest season of the hit Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’, which includes scenes filmed in Rome.

Yet, with 32 million visitors anticipated for the upcoming Jubilee year, the city is ill-equipped to manage such a massive influx. “We lack sufficient tour guides and bus drivers,” Talarman laments.

Will the Jubilee Transform Rome into a ‘Giant Airbnb’?

The Catholic Church’s Jubilee, commencing on Christmas Eve 2024 and continuing until December 2025, is set to be a major event in Rome. With approximately 32 million pilgrims expected to visit, the city administration is embarking on extensive urban renovations and beautification efforts.

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This renovation includes road closures, metro station shutdowns, and landmarks obscured by scaffolding—much to the frustration of locals. Held every 25 years, the Jubilee is meant to symbolize the remission of sins and debts, but for residents, it has become a source of irritation.

The anticipated influx has even spurred the rants of TikTok influencers. “After this year, they’ll open a mental asylum for people living in this city,” one influencer claims in a reel that has already garnered over 300,000 views. The Jubilee’s impact on local housing is perhaps the most significant concern.

The relationship between tourism and the global housing crisis, often referred to as the ‘Airbnb Effect,’ is well-documented. As the seventh most-visited city in the world, Rome is no exception. Short-term rentals surged by 37.3% in 2023, making it the second-highest in Europe, trailing only Amsterdam. Average rent has now soared to €2,000 per month, while the typical monthly salary hovers around €2,367. Finding an apartment for under €700 in Rome’s suburbs, which are poorly served by public transport, has become an almost impossible task.

Journalist Simone Alliva is one such individual grappling with these changes. After being forced to leave his home of 13 years for a new holiday rental, he directly attributes this upheaval to the Jubilee and the lackadaisical response of politicians. “The city has turned into a giant Airbnb,” he asserts. “Rent has reached astronomical levels: rooms alone can go for €800 a month.”

“Many have been compelled to vacate their long-time residences because landlords are eager to capitalize on this major event,” he adds. The situation has reached a breaking point, with students protesting against their increasingly unaffordable living conditions in Rome’s main student district, San Lorenzo.

“If the city wishes to tackle overtourism seriously, it should enact laws to close the thousands of Airbnb apartments in the city center,” Majanlahti argues.

Are There Opportunities Amidst the Overtourism Crisis?

Some popular tourist destinations in Italy have begun to address the issue with controversial measures. Venice, for example, implemented a tax on day-trippers, sparking significant debate.

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However, Italy’s current tourism minister, Daniela Santanchè, appears to have a different approach. Earlier this year, she faced investigation for alleged fraudulent activities. For her ministry, it’s business as usual, if not better. “Our policies and strategies are built on the premise that growth isn’t the problem; it’s how we manage that growth that matters,” she told Euronews Travel. When pressed on how the challenges could be addressed, she highlighted the importance of diversifying tourist destinations and promoting sustainable practices, allocating €47 million to “strengthen key cultural sites” like Rome. Yet, no solutions were offered regarding the housing crisis and the displacement of citizens.

“When the Jubilee concludes, what will remain of Rome?” Alliva questions. With the event looming just weeks away, residents will soon find out.