Florence, Italy – In 2024, Florence introduced a series of new measures aimed at addressing the rising concerns of overtourism, particularly the increasing number of short-term private rentals such as those offered through platforms like Airbnb. The city’s new mayor, Sara Funaro, has voiced concerns about the rising number of these rentals, which she claims are contributing to the displacement of local residents. Under these proposals, changes to rental practices would require flat owners to personally greet tenants, eliminating the use of key safes, which are often employed to store keys for short-term renters.

A Rapid Increase in Short-Term Rentals

According to recent figures, the number of short-term rentals in central Florence has skyrocketed, with the number of flats listed on rental platforms like Airbnb increasing from 1,500 in 2018 to an alarming 9,000 by 2024. This surge has raised concerns that residents, including students and individuals with medium incomes, are being priced out of the city as landlords favor tourists who are willing to pay higher rental prices. The increase in short-term rentals has created a strain on the local housing market, making it increasingly difficult for Florence’s long-term residents to find affordable accommodation.

City officials argue that the rise in short-term rentals has effectively led to the expulsion of local residents from their own city. The mayor’s comments reflect growing concerns that the influx of tourists, especially in highly popular destinations like Florence, is pushing out the very people who make up the cultural and social fabric of the city.

The “Save Florence” Campaign

In response to the growing challenges of overtourism, Florence has not only introduced legislative changes but has also supported a grassroots campaign called Save Florence. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the negative effects of short-term rentals and the overwhelming presence of tourists in the city. Leaders of the campaign, including IT engineer Massimo Torelli, have described how entire streets in Florence are now devoid of locals, with residents moving out in favor of transient tourists. According to Torelli, one particular street, which had recently seen all of its residents leave, now only houses tourists. The campaign seeks to bring attention to the imbalance in Florence’s tourism model, calling for solutions that will allow both locals and tourists to coexist without one side bearing the brunt of the consequences.

Banning Key Safes and Introducing Stricter Regulations

One of the key proposals introduced by the Florence city administration is the potential ban on key safes, which many short-term rental owners use to facilitate check-ins. Under the new measures, landlords would be required to personally meet tenants upon arrival to hand over the keys. This move is intended to reduce the number of absentee landlords, forcing them to engage more directly with the rental process and, by extension, the city itself. Proponents argue that this policy could help control the sheer volume of short-term rentals by making the process less convenient for landlords, while simultaneously ensuring that property owners take more responsibility for the impact their rentals have on the local community.

Florence is not alone in its efforts to combat the consequences of overtourism. Other European cities, including Venice and Barcelona, have also introduced policies designed to curb the impact of short-term rentals and reduce the overwhelming presence of tourists in certain areas. These cities have faced similar challenges, with many residents voicing frustration over the increasing commercialization of their neighborhoods. Efforts to push back against overtourism are part of a broader trend across Europe, where cities are grappling with how to grow their tourism sectors in a sustainable way.

A European Trend: Overtourism and the Push for Sustainability

The issue of overtourism has become a recurring theme across Europe in 2024. From Spain to Italy, and as far as the Canary Islands, local populations have been protesting the increasing number of tourists flocking to popular holiday destinations. In places like Tenerife, for example, residents have raised concerns about the environmental impact of mass tourism, especially with regard to natural ecosystems that are being overrun by tourist vehicles and large groups.

While protests continue to echo across these regions, the rise in tourist bookings remains undeniable. Reports indicate that in 2025, the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, are expected to see a sharp 77% increase in bookings compared to the previous year. This surge in tourism, despite ongoing local protests, reflects the growing popularity of destinations once thought to be saturated with visitors. As a result, local governments have begun to implement measures to protect the environment and manage tourism in a more sustainable way.

Sustainable Mobility in Tenerife

As part of a broader initiative to tackle overtourism, Tenerife’s Cabildo President, Rosa Dávila, announced that from 2025, tourist buses will be banned in the protected Anaga region. This is one of 70 measures being introduced to address the environmental impact of tourism, with a focus on encouraging more sustainable mobility options. Dávila emphasized that these changes are part of a strategic shift toward “sustainable mobility,” aiming to reduce the number of vehicles entering protected areas and preserve Tenerife’s natural beauty.

The move to ban tourist buses is one of several measures designed to promote eco-friendly travel in the region. Other strategies include encouraging the use of public transport and low-emission vehicles, as well as incentivizing tourists to explore the island in more sustainable ways. The hope is that by implementing these changes, Tenerife can continue to attract tourists while minimizing its ecological footprint and preserving its natural landscapes for future generations.

The Global Implications of Overtourism

The efforts in Florence, Tenerife, and other European cities represent a growing recognition of the need for a sustainable approach to tourism. As overtourism continues to affect popular destinations around the world, cities and regions are increasingly seeking to strike a balance between supporting their local economies and preserving the quality of life for residents.

For travelers, these shifts in policy may result in changes to how they experience destinations. The growing emphasis on sustainability could mean fewer mass tourism experiences and more opportunities for responsible, eco-friendly travel. In some cases, travelers may find that regulations such as bans on tourist buses or stricter rental policies could alter their plans, encouraging them to explore less-crowded areas and engage more deeply with local communities.

The Growing Need for Regenerative Tourism

As cities like Florence and Tenerife take action to address the challenges of overtourism, the travel industry as a whole may need to reassess how it promotes tourism. The shift toward regenerative tourism, which focuses on leaving destinations better than when visitors arrived, is gaining momentum. This model prioritizes sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the regions it touches.

Travelers and tourism providers alike will need to adapt to these changing expectations, recognizing that tourism’s role in global economies must be balanced with the preservation of local cultures, environments, and resources.

The post Florence Grapples with Rising Tourist Influx Locals Decry Being ‘Expelled’ as the Iconic Italian City Implements Stringent Measures to Address Short-Term Rentals and Mitigate the Unchecked Surge of Visitors appeared first on Travel And Tour World.