Rome, the Eternal City, is embarking on a bold new journey to reinvent itself as a leading global tourist destination. The city’s “Strategic Tourism Plan for Rome 2019> 2025” is a testament to its commitment to evolve beyond its historical legacy and embrace a vibrant, modern future. This ambitious plan, presented at the “La Nuvola” Convention Center, outlines a collaborative strategy to ensure sustainable growth and enhance the city’s appeal to a diverse international audience.
It’s all about working together. The plan, the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders from various sectors, recognizes the importance of shared responsibility and collective action. From June onwards, representatives of the city’s production chain, including entrepreneurs, public officials, trade associations, academics, and non-profit organizations, came together to forge a path towards a more vibrant and sustainable future for Rome’s tourism industry.
A Holistic Approach to Tourism
The plan goes beyond simply attracting more tourists. It’s about creating a better experience for everyone. The plan aims to address the challenges of overtourism and ensure that the city’s heritage is preserved for generations to come. It’s about ensuring that the needs of residents are met alongside the desires of visitors.
Key goals include:
- Elevating the quality of the tourism offer: This means providing high-quality accommodations, dining experiences, and tourist services that exceed expectations.
- Balancing tourist flows: The plan aims to manage tourist numbers effectively to avoid overcrowding and maintain a positive experience for everyone.
- Promoting sustainable practices: This includes protecting the environment, respecting local communities, and minimizing the impact of tourism on the city.
- Creating a more inclusive city: The plan emphasizes the importance of making Rome accessible to all visitors, regardless of their background or abilities.
Key Initiatives and Actions
The Strategic Tourism Plan lays out a series of concrete actions to achieve these ambitious goals. These include:
- Launching the “Stamp Made in Rome” certification: This program will guarantee the quality of accommodation and catering services, as well as other tourist activities.
- Establishing a Tourist Police task force: This specialized unit will combat illegal accommodation and ensure the safety and well-being of visitors.
- Creating a Destination Management Organisation (D.M.O.): This body, composed of public and private stakeholders, will work collaboratively to promote the city and enhance the tourist experience.
- Investing in digital tools and technologies: This includes the development of a user-friendly website and mobile application, the implementation of innovative digital signage, and the use of data analytics to better understand visitor trends.
Strengthening Rome’s International Profile
The plan also includes a series of initiatives to bolster Rome’s international appeal. These include:
- Focusing on foreign markets: The plan acknowledges the importance of attracting international visitors and aims to increase Rome’s presence in key markets around the world.
- Leveraging convention bureau models: This will help to attract international conferences and events, further increasing Rome’s visibility on the global stage.
- Positioning Rome as a leader in urban tourism: The plan highlights the city’s unique cultural and historical heritage, as well as its vibrant urban life and diverse attractions.
A Brighter Future for Rome
The Strategic Tourism Plan for Rome 2019> 2025 represents a bold vision for the future of tourism in the city. It acknowledges the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and it outlines a comprehensive strategy to ensure that Rome continues to thrive as a leading global destination. This plan is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, and it paves the way for a brighter future for both residents and visitors.