Car and Rail
New Direct High-Speed Train Connects Berlin and Paris
Laurie Baratti
Grupo Xcaret Xpert
Discover New Thrills and Culinary Delights at Hotel Xcaret México's 2025 Expansion
Opinions
Bowman’s Travel Brief: Elf on the Shelf Meets Vacation Plans
Eric Bowman
Hotels and Resorts
Special Savings on Ambergris Cay Luxury Villas in Turks and Caicos
Haute Retreats
Destinations
Jamaica
Agents
The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024
Mia Taylor
The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors
Belvin Baldwin II
Citing security concerns, Italian officials are banning self-check-in options such as key boxes used by short-term rental owners.
According to a circular obtained by AFP on Tuesday, Italy Police Chief Vittorio Pisani said his office "confirms the obligation imposed on the managers of accommodation facilities of any kind or type to verify the identity of guests by means of a visual check" amid a "delicate historical moment at an international level."
The move comes not only as Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms gain momentum across the country—sparking overtourism concerns—but just weeks ahead of the Catholic Church's highly anticipated Jubilee Year in 2025.
"The need has arisen to implement stringent measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and safety in relation to the possible housing of dangerous persons and/or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organizations," Pisani added.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri lauded the decision, calling it a "more effective control on access, and a first brake on unfair competition."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Video Interview: Disney Executives Discuss the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
Discover the Essence of Extraordinary Travel with Villas of Distinction
Meet the Real Santa Claus
Viking Thanks Travel Advisors at 2024 Travvy Awards
A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher
Explore the latest travel news, advice, updates, upcoming exclusive deals and more.
CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC