Overtourism and short-term rentals: CleanBnB's sustainable tourism

This is the so-called hypertourism, which according to the definition of theWorld Tourism Organization And "the impact on a destination, or parts of it, that excessively and negatively influences the perceived quality of life of citizens and/or the quality of visitors' experiences».

Cities like Venice, Florence and Rome are often given as an example of locations affected by overtourism, highlighting how mass tourism can have negative consequences on urban infrastructure, the quality of life of residents and the environment.

The discussion on the negative effects of mass tourism cannot ignore that tourism represents in reality a key resource for the Italian economy.

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world thanks to its unique historical, cultural and landscape heritage.

Tourism generates millions of jobs, not only in the hospitality sector, but also in related sectors such as catering, commerce, transport and local crafts.

According to estimates by SRM, the research center of Intesa Sanpaolo, tourism growth will continue to be a fundamental driver for the Italian economy in the coming years, with forecasts of further expansion.

The scenario developed by SRM estimates that Italy will continue to grow in tourist presences in 2024, reaching 467,2 million, i.e. +3,6% compared to 2023 and +107% compared to 2019.

Overtourism as a global phenomenon

The problem of overcrowding in tourist cities poses significant challenges and many destinations are looking for solutions to manage the excessive influx of visitors.

Some European countries have taken drastic measures to counter the negative effects of mass tourism.

A Barcelona, for example, residents demonstrated against tourist overcrowding, in Greece demonstrations have been organized to defend the free beaches, increasingly besieged by organized tourism.

In Italy the main tourist destinations are adopting measures to contain the number of visitors.

Venice It is one of the most emblematic examples of the fight against overtourism, so much so that in 2024 the city introduced a entrance tickets to regulate tourist flows and protect its fragile heritage.

Rome to introduce restricted access to Trevi Fountain Square in 2025, with the possibility of introducing an entrance ticket.

CleanBnB, a leading company in the sector of property management for short term rentals, manages over 2.900 apartments in more than 100 city throughout the country and aims to offer flexible and high-quality hospitality solutions that meet the needs of modern travellers and create value for local communities.

Thanks to one responsible management and sustainable hospitality, CleanBnB sets a virtuous example by showing that it is possible to make economic development and respect for the territory coexist.

Francesco Zorgno, President of the company, has drawn up a list of 10 useful tips for sustainable travel.

According to Zorgno it is necessary to avoid generalising the phenomenon, do not demonize in general the world of tourism which represents an essential resource for Italy:

"We need to distinguish between poorly managed tourism and well managed tourism. All of us, operators and travellers, must aim for true sustainability that brings real and lasting benefits to the territories, creating value for local communities and for the entire supply chain".

For the President of CleanBnB, the term overtourism is often used inappropriately, since it is not tourism that is the problem, but rather its poor management.

Overtourism: CleanBnB and responsible tourism management

Short-term rentals can play a key role in promoting tourism that is more respectful of local communities and the environment.

Through careful and conscious management, short-term rentals can not only support the local economy, but also contribute to the conservation of the real estate and cultural heritage of tourist destinations.

Many of the apartments managed by CleanBnB, for example, are located in less central and less crowded areas, helping to reduce pressure on popular tourist areas.

This type of distribution helps to decongest the cities of art, allowing travellers to discover alternative destinations and less beaten, favoring a more homogeneous distribution of tourism throughout Italy.

Sustainability and environmental impact: the role of short-term rentals

One of the central themes of sustainable tourism is the reduction of environmental impact.

CleanBnB is committed to raising awareness among its guests about eco-friendly practices, such as the conscious use of energy resources, respect for separate waste collection and the adoption of intelligent technologies to reduce energy consumption during the stay.

The apartments managed by the Company are often equipped with technologies that allow remote management of heating and air conditioning, thus optimizing the use of resources and reducing waste.

Additionally, CleanBnB encourages travellers to prefer sustainable mobility, limiting the use of private cars and promoting public or alternative means of transport such as bicycles or simple walking.

The strategic location of the apartments, often close to tourist attractions and well served by public transport, makes it easier to adopt a sustainable lifestyle while traveling.

Short-term rentals and benefits for local communities

The short-term rental model offers a great opportunity to enhance local economies. Guests of the apartments are encouraged to experience the area in an authentic way, consuming local products and frequenting restaurants, markets and shops run by residents.

In this way, not only it directly supports the local economy, but a closer bond is created between the traveler and the host community.

CleanBnB believes that sustainable tourism can create lasting value for local communities.

Unlike mass tourism, which tends to exploit resources without reinvesting in the territories, responsible tourism aims to preserve and improve tourist destinations.

This model, in addition to being an economic opportunity for property owners, reduces the risk of abandonment and urban decay, especially in those areas less frequented by traditional tourist flows.

Education and awareness to fight overtourism

Another important aspect to combat overtourism is thetraveler education.

CleanBnB is committed to providing its guests with useful advice and information on how to respect the territory, promoting responsible behavior during your stay.

This includes the respect for local traditions, participation in cultural events and the adoption of habits that minimize the impact on the territory.

We cannot ignore the need to promote a slow tourism, where travelers can take the time to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the place, rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

Short-term rentals, with their flexibility and accessibility, encourage this type of experience, allowing travelers to discover destinations in a more relaxed and authentic way.

In a context where overtourism represents a growing challenge for many tourist destinations, the model of sustainable short term rentals proposed by CleanBnB offers a valid solution to reduce the negative impact of mass tourism.

Through careful and responsible management, short-term rentals can help preserve cultural and environmental heritage, while generating economic benefits for local communities.

The future of tourism, for CleanBnB, lies in sustainability, a choice that is not only necessary, but advantageous for everyone: travellers, residents and territories.