Holidaymakers and short-term renters using lockboxes in Italy will have to find a new way to register after a new nationwide ban.
This new security push now requires hosts to personally identify guests instead of remote verification as a result of rampant tourism in the country.
“At Airbnb we take safety very seriously and recognize the importance of complying with local regulations and ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved,” an Airbnb spokesperson told Fox News Digital via email.
“That’s why we support cities in their efforts to increase in-person hospitality, cracking down on illegal key boxes in public spaces through educational campaigns and encouraging our community to prioritize welcoming guests in-person.” the spokesperson continued.
Self-check-ins are convenient for hosts and guests to coordinate and “manage arrivals in a flexible way and accommodate unexpected, random changes in travel plans,” the spokesperson said, adding: “They are used in around the world and combined with Guest Identity Verification, they have also provided high security standards.”
Lock boxes or key boxes are usually left on doors with a code for visitors to check in without having to meet the hosts face-to-face.
Now, tourists must meet their hosts before entering a short-term rental property, as instructed by the Italian Interior Ministry.
“The need has arisen to implement strict measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and security related to the possible harboring of dangerous persons and/or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organizations,” said Vittorio Pisani, the police chief. Italian, according to Barron’s.
The timing of the self-checkout ban is due in part to a number of important events in the coming months that will bring more tourists to Rome, including the 2025 Jubilee, also known as a Holy Year for the Catholic Church.
The holy event begins in December. 24 when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
In 2023, there were 36 million tourists who visited the Lazio region, where Rome is located, according to the annual statistics report of the capital Rome.
“There is a need to implement strict measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and safety related to the possible harboring of dangerous people and/or people associated with criminal or terrorist organizations,” the Department of Public Safety stated in a circular. published online. your translation
“To this end, it is considered appropriate to fully review and clarify the critical issues related to the established procedure of ‘remote identification’ of guests of short-term accommodation facilities through electronic transmission of copies of documents and access to accommodation with an automated opening code, or through the installation of key boxes at the entrance.”
Without formally identifying the guests, the Department of Public Safety fears that the procedure currently does not comply with security standards.
Airbnb is working with the Italian government to find a solution that focuses on the safety of all parties involved.
An Airbnb spokesperson said: “While we remain committed to promoting responsible hosting and ensuring our platform continues to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for all, we look forward to working with the Italian government on solutions that help address local safety concerns while meeting the needs of our host and guest community.”
Fox News reached out to Italy’s Department of Public Safety and Interior Ministry for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Ashley DiMella contributed to this report.
#Italy #bans #selfcheckouts #Airbnb #Rome #braces #influx #travelers #spurred #Holy #Year
Image Source : nypost.com