Le Monde criticizes Disneyfication of Rome, tourist empire

Rome’s Transformation: A Concerning Disneyfication?

French newspaper Le Monde has raised alarm bells regarding Rome’s rapid transition into a tourist-centric hub, likening it to a real-life Disneyland that is pushing out its local residents.

Titled Rome, the empire of tourism: the “Disneylandisation” of the Italian capital worries its residents, the article by Rome correspondent Allan Kaval paints a vivid picture of the overcrowded streets of the historic center, particularly focusing on the Trevi Fountain where visitors now queue up for a snapshot of the iconic Baroque monument.

The introduction of a queueing system, soon to be accompanied by an entry fee, has sparked mixed reactions among Romans, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to manage the tourist influx while others fear a complete transformation of their beloved city into an amusement park.

As tourists flock from the Trevi Fountain to other landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, the streets are lined with restaurants and eager staff enticing visitors to taste local delicacies. The article sheds light on the struggles faced by the city’s residents as short-term rentals continue to drive them out of the center, leading to a significant decline in the local population.

Rome’s tourism councillor, Alessandro Onorato, defends the city’s approach, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between attracting tourists and preserving the city’s authenticity. Despite the concerns raised by Le Monde, Onorato reassures that Rome is not headed towards a complete “Disneylandisation” and highlights the lesser-known gems in the city’s outskirts that are waiting to be explored.

While the debate on Rome’s future continues, one thing remains clear – the Eternal City is at a crossroads between embracing mass tourism and preserving its unique identity.

Image: Tourists at the Trevi Fountain. Photo Wanted in Rome.