Florence Implements Measures to Reduce Overtourism

Florence, Italy, has announced a ban on key boxes used by short-term rental landlords as part of a broader effort to combat overtourism and preserve the city's cultural integrity. The city, which experienced over 7.8 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024, is facing rising tensions between tourists and local residents, who are increasingly priced out of their homes. Mayor Sarah Funaro's 10-point plan also includes restrictions on tour guide equipment, such as loudspeakers, and limitations on 'atypical vehicles' in the historic center. The ban on key boxes is seen as a response to the proliferation of short-term rentals, especially through platforms like Airbnb, which critics argue depletes affordable housing and disrupts the local community. Activists have protested against the key boxes, symbolizing the adverse effects of mass tourism on the city's livability. Florence's actions reflect a growing trend among heritage cities in Europe to regulate tourism and foster sustainable travel practices.