Rome proposes higher accommodation taxes and tighter short‑term rental rules
Rome will raise taxes on hotel and other overnight stays and tighten short‑term rental regulations to curb overtourism. The proposal has been announced by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and is under discussion with no set implementation date, affecting accommodation providers and visitors to the city.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Higher taxes on hotels and overnight stays and stricter short‑term rental rules
- Timing
- Proposal announced, no implementation date yet
- Who is affected
- Hotel operators, short‑term rental owners and overnight visitors to Rome
The details
- Announced by
- Mayor Roberto Gualtieri
- Previous rule
- Current accommodation taxes remain at existing levels and short‑term rentals operate with limited municipal controls.
- New rule
- The city plans to increase accommodation taxes for hotels and other paid stays and to introduce stronger regulatory tools for short‑term rentals.
Background and Rationale
Rome recorded about 22.9 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with 52.92 million overnight stays, creating pressure on housing, infrastructure and historic neighbourhoods. City officials argue that tourism must generate lasting benefits for residents and the urban economy.
Proposed Tax Increase
Instead of a universal entrance fee, the mayor proposes raising the tax levied on hotels and other paid accommodation. The additional revenue would support public infrastructure and tourism management.
- Tax increase applies to all paid overnight stays
- Exact rate and categories are still under discussion
Short‑Term Rental Regulation
The administration is preparing tools to tighten controls on short‑term rentals, aiming to protect residential housing in the historic centre while allowing legitimate tourism accommodation.
A 2026 survey showed more than 122,000 beds for short stays versus a resident population of over 116,000 in the historic centre, highlighting the scale of the issue.
- Regulations will target properties converting to tourist use
- Goal is to preserve neighbourhood identity and housing supply
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing hotel bookings should expect possible tax adjustments on their invoices.
- Visitors using short‑term rentals may face new licensing requirements or limits on rental duration.
Cost and documents
- Higher accommodation taxes could increase overall travel costs for overnight stays.
- Short‑term rental operators may need to submit additional documentation to comply with new regulations.
What you need to do
- Accommodation providers should monitor municipal announcements for the final tax rate and compliance deadlines.
- Short‑term rental owners should prepare to adjust listings according to forthcoming regulatory tools.
Who this affects
-
Hotel operators in Rome
They will be subject to increased accommodation taxes.
What to do Monitor tax rate changes and adjust pricing accordingly.
-
Short‑term rental owners
New regulations will tighten controls on holiday apartments and similar properties.
What to do Prepare to comply with licensing or usage restrictions.
-
Overnight visitors to Rome
They will pay higher taxes on hotel and other paid stays.
What to do Expect higher accommodation costs on booking confirmations.
Frequently asked questions
What new taxes is Rome planning for hotels?
Rome intends to raise the existing accommodation tax on hotels and other paid overnight stays, though the exact rate has not yet been disclosed.
Will Rome introduce a city‑wide entrance fee for tourists?
No, the mayor has ruled out a universal entrance charge, preferring higher accommodation taxes as the preferred alternative.
How will short‑term rental rules change in Rome?
The city will introduce stronger regulatory tools to limit the conversion of residential units into short‑term rentals, aiming to protect housing for permanent residents.
When will the new tax and rental rules take effect?
The proposals have been announced but no specific implementation date has been set; they remain under discussion by municipal authorities.
Are there any immediate actions required for travelers?
Travelers should watch for updated tax information on hotel bookings and be aware that short‑term rental options may face new licensing requirements soon.