Italy’s Florence will introduce a ban on short-term real estate bookings for tourists. It is about limiting the rent only through a separate service, but with global popularity. This is not just a step to preserve cultural heritage, but also a response to the global problem of overtourism in historic cities, the local authorities explained.
The mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, emphasized that the growth of tourist traffic in the city of the cradle of the Renaissance became especially bright after the pandemic. However, such a surge of tourists is a challenge to preserve the unique historical atmosphere of the region. “We are introducing a simple ban on the UNESCO site to fulfill our obligations to protect the cultural and material identity of the Historic Center and to mitigate the effects of the increase in rents throughout the city, which is directly related to the boom in short-term rentals for tourists,” he was quoted as saying. CNN the head of the city.
The main goal of the bill is to preserve the cultural heritage and uniqueness of Florence. According to the publication concerning the data of the local city council, 75% of all armor in the city falls on only 5% of the territory, including the historical center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The law also provides incentives for property owners who are willing to transfer their properties from Airbnb to long-term rentals in the form of a full exemption from property taxes for three years. Nardella emphasized that this decision is not retroactive.
It was clarified that since the announcement of the working conditions on the rental market, 4,000 properties have left the platform for short-term bookings. If this law is approved, it will go into effect next month.
The initiative of the Italian city is not new
Florence has picked up the global trend of abandoning short-term rentals for tourists. For example, in Vienna (Austria) a restriction has been introduced on renting out apartments for more than 90 days a year. Paris (France) is also considering similar measures. However, the rent limit will be set for 120 days. All this, according to European authorities, is aimed at preserving the authenticity of the cities and preventing the increase of housing prices due to rentals, which are willingly used by travelers.
Background: Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage. This city in Italy is known for its museums, including the Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery, which houses Renaissance works of art such as Michelangelo’s David. Florence is also the birthplace of Dante Alighieri and is known for its magnificent cathedrals, bridges, narrow streets, and excellent Tuscan cuisine. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.