Overtourism, for 56% of Italians it is a problem

Overtourism It is a phenomenon known to over 1 in 2 Italians (52%) and experienced by 56% as a growing problem. The youngest are those who perceive it most, especially Gen Z (57%), followed by Millennials at 55% and Gen X and Boomers at 48%. This is explained by research by Changes Unipol developed by Ipsos on the opinions of Italians regarding the opportunities and problems related to tourism. 51% believe that the over-influx of tourists in our country mainly characterizes the summer period, 21% the spring period while for 15% it is a constant phenomenon throughout the year.

A topic often connected to overtourism is that of key boxes , on which – together with self check-in – a crackdown has been in place since the end of 2024 by the Ministry of the Interior, which has banned their use. A measure that more than 1 in 2 Italians (53%) agree with, while 33% say they disagree. The percentage of those in favor of the ban increases among Boomers and Gen X, by 57% and 56% respectively, and decreases with 49% of Gen Z and 48% of Millennials.

When it comes to short-term rentals, over 1 in 3 Italians (35%) perceive them as a problem, while 19% see them as an opportunity. At a generational level, Boomers and Gen Z are in tune in this case, with percentages of those who consider them a critical issue higher than intermediate generations (38% and 37% respectively). 54% of Italians would be in favor of introducing stricter rules and requirements for the management of short-term rentals, while 3 in 10 say they are against it.

To manage overtourism, 32% believe that infrastructure should be improved, 29% say that mobility services should be improved, exclusive services should be made available to residents (26%), forms of sustainable tourism should be promoted (25%) and 24% believe that historic centres should be pedestrianised. 64% of Italians believe that tourism continues to represent an economic opportunity for the country, while 9% believe that it is more of a source of problems. Boomers see positive aspects of tourism (74%), a percentage that drops to 63% for Gen X and Millennials and again to 57% for Gen Z, according to whom it is a source of inconvenience and problems (14%).

Italians indicate the economic contribution of tourists and the increase in jobs among the main advantages , both at 44%. This is followed by the promotion of local culture and traditions at 43% and the increased municipal revenue from tax revenues and the greater number of events and initiatives organized at 34%. The generational split instead sees Gen Z as the least attentive to the economic aspect (32% against 52% of Boomers and Gen X), while Millennials and Gen X appear to be sensitive to the issue of land reclamation and redevelopment (24%) and Boomers to that of greater attention to the environment (24%) and the increase in prestige of the areas involved (32%). Among the negative aspects, Italians report the increase in waste (39%), overcrowding in public places and venues (34%), the increase in rent prices (32%), traffic congestion (29%), the increase in the cost of living (26%) and damage to cultural heritage (25%).