The Mayor of Rome rejects the access fee for the historic center and proposes limiting short-term rentals to protect the historic center

Rome does not intend to introduce an access fee for the historic center, but wants to limit short-term rentals to protect the city’s identity and local community life. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri made the statement in an interview with Bloomberg, amid growing pressure exerted by tourism on the “Eternal City.”

The mayor believes the model applied in Venice, where day visitors pay a five-euro fee, is not suitable for Rome. The city is much more spread out, while many tourists stay overnight and already contribute to the budget through hotel taxes.

Gualtieri warned that the historic center risks becoming an “empty shell,” with shops and restaurants catering exclusively to tourists. The municipality is seeking tools to impose restrictions on properties used for short-term rentals, including in residential neighborhoods.

According to a Brixa study, central Rome has more than 122,000 accommodation beds, compared with just over 116,000 residents. In 2025, the city recorded a record 22.9 million arrivals and 52.92 million overnight stays. Florence and Bologna have already adopted similar measures.