Rome’s Tourism Sector Reaches Unprecedented Heights in 2025
Rome, January 21, 2026 – The Eternal City has officially registered its most successful year for tourism to date, with 2025 setting new records for both arrivals and overnight stays. Data released by the Lazio Bilateral Tourism Board confirms that Rome welcomed an impressive 22.9 million visitors, with 12 million of these being international tourists. The total number of overnight stays reached 52.92 million.
These figures represent a notable increase compared to the previous historic high set in 2024, showing a 3.42 percent rise in arrivals and a 2.87 percent increase in overnight stays.
Mayor Gualtieri: Tourism as a Driving Force for Rome’s Revival
Roberto Gualtieri, the Mayor of Rome Capital, expressed immense satisfaction with these results, emphasizing the strategic importance of the tourism sector for the city. “We are happy and proud of this new record; it has been an intense, demanding, but very positive year for the city from every point of view,” Gualtieri stated.
He extended his gratitude to the relevant councilor, highlighting that “tourism is an industry that generates related industries, jobs, and contributes to driving the revival of the Capital, in the name of intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable growth.”
Onorato: A Strategy Built on Major Events
Alessandro Onorato, the Councilor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism, and Fashion for Rome Capital, attributed these achievements to a deliberate and effective strategy. “It is no coincidence that every year we update the record for arrivals and overnight stays; it is the result of a strategy,” Onorato affirmed.
Onorato elaborated that the administration’s choices have focused on “the asset of major events that offer an additional reason to return to Rome or to extend one’s stay.”
Significant Economic and Employment Impact
The councilor further underscored the direct impact of tourism on the city’s economy. According to data from Il Sole 24 Ore, the sector generated 13.3 billion euros in the territory in 2024. On the employment front, Onorato noted that “in the last three years,” tourism-related employment “has grown by 5.5 percent year on year.”
Balancing Tourism with City Life
The administration’s objective is to continue developing the sector while ensuring it remains “increasingly compatible with the city and its residents.” In this regard, Onorato reiterated that “visitors must leave Rome with more than they found.” This statement reflects a commitment to sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community.
