Key safe vigilantes in Florence rise up against Airbnb
The Conquest of Florence by Airbnb
The Italian city of Florence has been taken over by Airbnb, with nearly 9,000 flats now in the centre of the city, up from 1,500 in 2018. This surge in short-term lets has caused a stir among locals, who claim that the influx of tourists is pushing out long-term residents and threatening the city’s cultural heritage.
The Rise of Airbnb in Florence
The boom in Airbnb rentals in Florence tracks the rise in tourism numbers, with a 23% increase last year and 15 million visitors expected this year. The city’s new mayor, Sara Funaro, has announced plans to ban key safes from next year, forcing owners to personally check in guests and reduce the role of companies that run dozens of flats on behalf of owners.
The Impact on Locals
Residents of Florence, Venice, and Rome have long complained about the rise of Airbnb, claiming that it is pushing out long-term residents and causing rent prices to skyrocket. Massimo Torelli, an IT engineer and head of the group Save Florence, said: “Seems pretty quiet here today, but that’s because the last resident moved out recently. There’s no one left on this street, just tourists.”
The Fight Against Airbnb
Torelli and other locals are fighting back against Airbnb, using stickers and slogans to protest the company’s presence in the city. They claim that Airbnb is responsible for the emptying out of Florence and the rise of noise pollution from tourists’ suitcases.
The Government’s Response
The Italian government has been accused of siding with Airbnb, with tourism minister Daniela Santanche saying that private property is sacred and that the government cannot tell homeowners what to do with their properties. However, some cities, such as Venice, have been given permission to limit the spread of Airbnb and require owners to personally check in guests.
The Future of Florence
The future of Florence is uncertain, with some predicting that the city will become a ghost town if something is not done to address the issue of Airbnb. Others believe that the company’s presence will bring in more revenue and create jobs. One thing is certain, however: the battle over Airbnb in Florence is far from over.