Rome Overtourism: How the 2025 Jubilee Is Straining the Eternal City

Rome, the Eternal City, welcomes over 35 million visitors annually, a figure set to escalate with the 2025 Jubilee drawing 32 million pilgrims. This influx creates overcrowding, housing shortages, and cultural erosion, prompting calls for better management.

The Surge in Visitor Numbers

Tourism in Rome has rebounded dramatically post-COVID, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the city saw a record 35 million tourists, fueled by its timeless attractions like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. The upcoming Catholic Jubilee, starting Christmas Eve 2024 and running through 2025, anticipates 32 million additional pilgrims, overwhelming existing infrastructure.

Italy’s tourism is highly concentrated: about 70% of international visitors focus on just 1% of the territory, intensifying pressure on hotspots like Rome. Short-term rentals surged 37.3% in 2023, second only to Amsterdam in Europe, converting residential spaces into holiday lets.

Local Life Under Pressure

Residents describe overtourism as a ‘plague,’ with overcrowded streets hindering daily navigation. Professor Anthony Majanlahti, a Rome history expert, criticizes proposals like €2 fees for Trevi Fountain as ineffective cash grabs that worsen congestion.

• Soaring Rents: Rooms now cost €800 monthly, turning Rome into a ‘giant Airbnb’ and pricing out locals.
• Transport Chaos: Public systems buckle under tourist volume, creating odysseys for commuters.
• Litter and Cleanliness: Excess waste burdens maintenance efforts amid beautification for the Jubilee.

In Florence, similar issues saw rents rise 42% from 2016-2023, a trend echoing in Rome’s historic center. Globally, tourism accounted for 8.8% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, exacerbating environmental strain.

Economic Impacts: Boom and Burden

Tourism drives Italy’s economy but creates imbalances. Luxury hotels revive buildings yet charge €850+ per night, excluding average travelers and fostering inequality. Mass-produced souvenir shops displace artisans, often linked to organized crime money laundering.

Government responses include €47 million for cultural sites and promoting diversified destinations. Yet, policies view growth as manageable rather than problematic.

Government and Church Preparations

Rome’s administration launches urban renewals for the Jubilee, but capacity concerns persist. Italy’s Tourism Ministry emphasizes sustainable practices and spreading visitors beyond capitals. European trends in Barcelona and Amsterdam inspire regulations on tourist behavior.

Proactive sites like Baia demonstrate success: early regulations protect underwater heritage from mass tourism. Rome could adopt timed entries or caps, as pondered for Trevi Fountain.

Responsible Traveler Strategies

Mindful choices mitigate impacts. Research accommodations outside the center, favoring family-run guesthouses over luxury chains.

1. Opt for Off-Peak Seasons: Spring offers mild weather with fewer crowds than summer heatwaves.
2. Support Local Economies: Buy secondhand or artisan goods, avoiding mass souvenir outlets.
3. Explore Lesser-Known Areas: Visit Aventine Hill or EUR district for authentic experiences without lines.
4. Use Public Transport Wisely: Travel off-peak hours to ease resident commutes.
5. Book Timed Entries: Secure slots for Colosseum to bypass queues.

Beat crowds by early mornings or evenings at landmarks, embracing slow travel.

Cultural and Environmental Toll

Overtourism erodes Rome’s soul: historic centers empty as locals flee high costs. Sites like the Colosseum face vandalism risks from unmanaged crowds. Water scarcity and labor violations affect vulnerable workers.

Sustainable shifts prioritize residents: diversify offerings, enforce rentals limits, and invest in green infrastructure.

Future Outlook and Alternatives

With Jubilee looming, Rome must balance allure and livability. Experts advocate European-style actions: visitor taxes, rental caps, and promotion of secondary sites like Roccaraso.

Alternatives include day trips from nearby towns or virtual tours for non-essential visits. Long-term, policy over personal tweaks is key.

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