The influx of visitors to Italy is particularly high this summer, including in the capital. A new fee is therefore looming for a popular attraction.
Rome – Many holiday destinations are struggling with excessive numbers of visitors. In addition to the tourism problem on Mallorca, which is already having serious ecological and social consequences, Italy is currently suffering the most. In some regions of the country, fees have already been introduced to keep visitor numbers down. In Venice, for example, visitors have to pay an entrance fee of five euros. Now fees are also looming in Rome.
“The idea is to introduce a two-euro ticket” – Rome considers fees for popular attraction
The capital of Italy is popular with tourists because of its numerous sights: from the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the city has a lot to offer. Last but not least, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. It is tradition to throw a coin backwards over your shoulder into the water of the fountain. However, access for holidaymakers could soon be restricted.
The city council of the Italian capital is considering an entrance fee for the famous fountain. Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s councilor for tourism, announced on social media: “Our idea is to introduce a two-euro ticket to enter the area near the fountain’s water basin.”
Tourism in the capital of Italy reached record levels this summer
The Trevi Fountain attracts a large number of tourists every day from early in the morning until late at night. The piazza in front of the monumental fountain, built in the 18th century, and the water basin itself are constantly crowded. Onorato stressed: “We want to make the visit a real experience and not a chaotic crush of tourists looking for the best selfie.”
This summer, tourism in the country’s capital reached record levels. “But now we have to make sure that tourism is compatible with the life of Romans, that it becomes more sustainable and can be integrated into the daily life of the city,” said Onorato. To achieve this, a ticket reservation system will be introduced that will provide tickets for around two euros for tourists, while access for Romans will remain free.
It is still unclear when the entrance fee might be introduced in Rome
However, this is only an idea so far, as the city administration emphasizes. “It is a very concrete idea that we have decided to examine and deepen,” the news agency quoted Ansa the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri. It is still unclear when such an entrance fee could be decided and introduced.
Some Italian beaches also charge an entrance fee. According to a price study, the fees have increased significantly in some cases in Italy during the 2024 holiday season. (tt/dpa)
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