In a bid to curb overtourism and a ‘lack of respect’ for one of its most iconic landmarks, the Trevi Fountain, Rome is planning to implement a small fee.

According to city officials, all foreign travellers may soon be charged a EUR 2.13 (USD 2.35) fee to access this famous open-air fountain, one of the most beautiful in Rome.

Rome typically attracts around 35 million visitors annually, and this number is projected to increase significantly in 2025 due to the Jubilee, a year-long religious event involving both the city and the Vatican. 

At the same time, Italy has seen a surge in tourism this year, with international arrivals up 17.8 pc in the first half of 2024.

Rome Prepares for Tourist Surge With New Measures

The officials say that the initiative is designed to bring order and ensure visitors respect the monument properly. This is seen as vital for keeping the Trevi Fountain attractive and accessible despite the high number of tourists.

They add that as the Italian capital prepares for another Roman Catholic Jubilee next year, the number of tourists is expected to increase even more than usual. 

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to address the challenges posed by overcrowding. Some business leaders are advocating a reservation system to manage the flow.

Romolo Guasco

“It has become almost impossible to enjoy the Trevi Fountain because of the crowds. However, any restrictions must be implemented carefully,” says Romolo Guasco, Director of Confcommercio Rome, the city’s business association.

Residents of Rome and other Italian cities have long expressed frustration about the negative impacts of mass tourism, including noise pollution, damage to ancient sites, anti-social behaviour and overcrowding. Other Italian cities are also facing similar problems.

In response to these problems, various measures have been introduced. For instance, on a pilot basis, Venice introduced a EUR 5 per day ticket for peak-time visitors to encourage off-peak visits.

Naples has implemented one-way pedestrian traffic, and Milan has imposed restrictions on late-night ice cream and fast food sales. The trial received mixed reactions but is expected to continue into the 2025 peak season.

In addition, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is considering increasing Italy’s tourist tax to ease congestion in major cities such as Rome and Florence. If applied, overnight visitors will be charged up to EUR 25 (about USD 27) per person per night.

Similarly, Onorato told Corriere della Sera that Rome’s authorities would prefer to limit the opening of Bed and Breakfasts and new holiday homes to ease the strain on the historic city centre.