Rome's rising B&Bs spark mayoral concern ahead of Holy Year

Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, highlighted that Italian mayors lack the power to control this trend, which poses a significant problem ahead of the forthcoming Holy Year, during which the capital anticipates approximately 30 million pilgrims and tourists from nearly every corner of the globe.

During Thursday’s meeting, which was part of preparations for the Holy Year 2025, Roberto Gualtieri discussed the challenges posed by B&B accommodation facilities.

He observed that the situation is made more complex by the lack of suitable powers for local governments. Today, he stressed that mayors in Italy—which is almost the only such case in the world—do not have the authority to limit this phenomenon.

The city authorities are concerned that the continuous increase in accommodation facilities could deplete the centre of Rome. The mayor added, "It is essential to prevent entire areas in the centre from being depopulated and turned into tourist apartments, as the residents of this part of the city are of the utmost importance."

Residents of the Italian capital are also voicing their worries. At the end of October, the local community protested at Campo de' Fiori against excessive tourism and its impact on everyday life. City authorities do not intend to completely eradicate the B&B sector but aim to regulate it.