Rome: tourism boom and alarm over the depopulation of the historic center
Rome is experiencing a golden age for tourism, with figures confirming the capital as one of the world's favorite destinations. According to recent data presented during the Federturismo Confindustria Public Assembly, the sector has reached an economic value of approximately 10 billion euros. However, this success brings with it some concerns for the city's balance.
The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, spoke during the event held at the Maxxi museum to comment on these results. Although economic growth is a positive sign for the local economy, the mayor raised a new alarm: the capital's historic center is being emptied of its regular residents.
The main problem concerns the transformation of private homes into visitor accommodation. Many houses in the heart of Rome are in fact used exclusively for short-term rentals, making it difficult for citizens to find affordable apartments. This phenomenon is changing the identity of historic neighborhoods, which risk becoming areas dedicated only to tourists.
To address this challenge, Gualtieri called for stricter rules for the non-hotel sector. According to the mayor, it is necessary to better manage the flow of visitors and limit the uncontrolled spread of vacation homes. The goal is to protect the residential function of the center, ensuring that the city remains alive and inhabited not only by those passing through.
In conclusion, while tourism represents a fundamental resource for Rome's development, it also requires careful and strategic management. The challenge for the future will be to find a balance between welcoming millions of tourists and protecting the quality of life for those who have chosen to live in the Eternal City.