During the 75th Federalberghi general assembly, held in Merano, one of the hottest topics in the tourism sector returned to the center of the debate: the explosion of non-hotel accommodation, especially through short-term rental platforms. According to data presented by the association, in recent years the overall accommodation capacity in Italy has grown fivefold. However, the growth of traditional hotels has remained almost stable, a sign of an expansion concentrated almost exclusively on the non-hotel front.
“What we are observing is a structural change in the market,” explained the president of Federalberghi. “The number of beds is increasing, but not in hotels. And this raises urgent questions about competition, rules and sustainability of the sector.”
The rise of short-term rentals, often run on a non-entrepreneurial basis, has raised concerns among hoteliers over perceived regulatory disparities. While hotels are subject to a wide range of tax, safety and quality obligations, many non-hotel facilities appear to operate in a more nuanced regulatory environment. The result? Competition that hoteliers call “unfair” and which, they say, risks compromising the overall quality of Italian tourism.
Despite the criticism, the phenomenon of short-term rentals continues to find favor with an ever-growing segment of travelers, attracted by the flexibility, often lower costs, and more authentic experience that many associate with this type of accommodation.
The debate takes place at a time when Italian tourism is experiencing a strong post-pandemic recovery. The challenge for institutions and operators will be to find a balance between innovation, fair competition and protection of the quality of hospitality.
