When you travel to another country and rent accommodation from individuals, such as on Airbnb, you often won't be able to meet the owner of the property. The building key is waiting for us in a special box and we will receive all the instructions and codes in the online manual. I will no longer be registering in Italy this way.
Italy. No more online registration for tourists
From the point of view of both the host and the tenant, this is a logistically advantageous solution given the security issues, but it is not the best approach, and Italy explains its decision this way. The requirement to hand over keys directly to guests is intended to contribute to the fight against potential terrorism.
According to Italy's Interior Ministry, law enforcement officers will be tasked with removing key boxes and padlocks inside facilities that previously allowed self-check-in.
See also: Italians are ruthless. Customs officials discover clues to tourist robbery
This is not the only change. All renters must register with their local police station, regardless of the length of their rental agreement. In the past, many people only sent copies of documents or photos, but now they have to deliver them in person.
Officials said the new rules are “aimed at preventing threats to public order and safety related to the possible accommodation of dangerous persons or persons associated with criminal or terrorist organizations.”
No more need to collect keys remotely. Italians expect fewer tourists
Local residents point to another reason. They hope that ending remote check-in will at least slightly limit the influx of tourists, and that more tourists will arrive in Italy in time for the 2025 Jubilee of Rome.
Short-term rentals have been a topic of discussion for months. Tourists are increasingly becoming a problem for local tourists, not only in Italy but also in other tourist destinations. Locals are having trouble purchasing or long-term rental of properties in prime locations. Prices are also an issue, as they are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many people.
See also: Minister has idea for more apartments. “Limit short-term rentals.”
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri told CNN he was happy with the changes. He acknowledged that padlocks and keyboxes “sulli the streets” and that personal reports would be helpful to everyone.
“I would like to express my gratitude for this long-anticipated decision, which provides clarity and guarantees for better prevention of fraud, more effective access management, and an initial brake on unfair competition,” he said in a statement. It is a thing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Italy's Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche said the changes were “necessary measures to prevent threats and guarantee a peaceful and positive tourist experience.”
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