Rome is "totally capable" of
managing the influx of tourists expected for the extraordinary
Jubilee dedicated to mercy starting December 8, Stefano Fiori,
president of the Tourism and Free Time Industry section of
employers' association Unindustria, said Tuesday.
"Rome currently receives around 12 million visitors a year
and I think there may be a 30-50% increase in tourists during
the Jubilee of Mercy," Fiori said.
"It is a great opportunity for the whole region," he added
in reference to expected visits to abbeys and other religious
sites outside Rome.
"I have heard and read much debate in recent days but Rome
is totally capable of hosting such an important event," he
continued, adding that institutions, associations and the
business community nedded to work together to prepare for the
Jubilee.
"The event will have not negligible consequences also for
employment," Fiori said.
He also called for a transformation of the current tourist
tax levied on visitors to the Eternal City for every day of
their stay into a tax designed to fund particular activities or
interventions.
"This tax generates some 95 million euros a year and the
income will be much higher in the Jubilee year," Fiori said.
"These resources need to be dedicated in the first place to
Rome and its citizens. To appearance, cleanliness, transport and
improved reception facilities for tourists," he concluded.
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