The rapid growth of Airbnb in Italy in recent years has brought significant changes to the country’s economy and society. According to data from trade association Confesercenti, accommodation offered through short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb is recording the highest growth of all activities in the tourism sector. In the last ten years, small individual and family businesses involved in short-term rentals have grown by 147%.
In contrast, traditional café businesses, grocery and clothing shops have suffered a 12% decline over the same period. This is a real boom, which is transforming not just cities but the whole country, Confesercenti underlines. Airbnb, is now a major source of income for many residents in Italy.
Italy Airbnb and hotel tax increasing
Alongside the rise of Airbnb, Italy is promoting measures to combat over-tourism. As revealed by the Financial Times, the Italian government is planning – amongst other things – a significant increase in the overnight tax on hotel and other tourist accommodation.
According to the government’s plan, the tourist tax per night will be structured according to the following scale:
** €5 per night for a room below €100
** €10 per night for rooms costing between €100 and €400
** €15 for rooms costing between €400 and €750
** €25 for rooms costing more than €750.
Until now, the overnight tax is levied by the cities and ranges from €1 to €5 per person per night, depending on the number of stars of the hotel or accommodation.
The plan is up for discussion in September with tourism operators.
