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Florence bans new Airbnbs in city centre

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Summary

Florence has banned new Airbnbs from opening in the city centre in response to growing concerns from local residents, including a loss of identity of the historic centre, housing insecurity, and increasing costs of living. Mayor Dario Nardella noted that the number of short-term rentals has grown significantly over the past few years, and he criticized the government's plans to regulate the sector. Current Airbnb rental owners will not be affected by the ban and will be offered tax breaks if they switch to long-term residential rentals.

Q&As

What measures has Florence taken to limit short-term rentals for tourists?
Florence has banned new Airbnbs from opening in the UNESCO area of its historic centre and will offer three years of tax breaks to current Airbnb rental owners if they switch to long-term residential rentals.

What has been the effect of the increase in short-term rentals on local residents?
The effect of the increase in short-term rentals on local residents has been loss of identity of the historic centre, housing insecurity, increase in the cost of living and a drastic reduction in the availability of housing.

What action has the Italian government taken to regulate the short-term rental sector?
The Italian government has plans to regulate the short-term rental sector.

How many short-term rentals were listed on Airbnb in Florence in 2016?
In 2016, there were fewer than 6,000 rentals listed on Airbnb in Florence.

What is the mayor of Florence's opinion on the action taken by the Italian government?
The mayor of Florence believes that the action taken by the Italian government does not go far enough and describes the move by Florence as "a concrete step" but "not a panacea" to tackling the problem.

AI Comments

👍 This ban is a welcomed move by the city of Florence in response to the outcry from local residents. It is great that the mayor has taken action to protect the city's identity and reduce the cost of living for those living in the historic centre.

👎 This ban is a short-term solution and does not go far enough to tackle the problem of short-term rentals. Current Airbnb rental owners will still be able to operate, which may lead to further increases in rental prices for ordinary residential rentals.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about Florence banning new Airbnbs from opening in their historic centre as a response to the surge of short-term rentals for tourists.

Friend: That's really interesting. What are the implications of this decision?

Me: Well, it could lead to a decrease in the availability of housing for tourists, and an increase in the cost of living for locals. It could also lead to an increase in local residents feeling more secure in their homes as there will be less tourists in the area. Additionally, it could lead to a more authentic experience of the city, since it will be less touristy.

Action items

Research other cities that have implemented similar bans on short-term rentals and compare their results.
Reach out to local residents in Florence to learn more about their experiences with the ban and how it has impacted their lives.
Contact local government officials to learn more about the regulations and enforcement of the ban.

Technical terms

Airbnb: A company that provides online marketplaces for people to list, find, and rent short-term lodging.
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Retroactive: Having effect or force with respect to past occurrences.
Tax Breaks: A reduction in taxes that is granted by the government to encourage investment or economic activity.
Corriere della Sera: An Italian daily newspaper published in Milan.
Calmierare: To reduce or moderate.
Panacea: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Regulate: To control or direct by a rule, principle, or law.