Rome, February 4, 2026 – Rome is consolidating its international position in high-end tourism, focusing on a structured strategy that brings together institutions, businesses, and operators in the sector. This was the central theme during the press conference for ‘Rise – Rome Insights Style Experience,’ an event dedicated to luxury tourism scheduled to take place from February 12 to 14.
Onorato: Record Numbers and Growing Investments
Alessandro Onorato, the Capitoline Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism, and Fashion, hailed ‘Rise’ as a successful venture, citing “impressive numbers since last year’s zero edition.” He emphasized that for the first time, the city’s business community has collectively invested in the future of Rome’s tourism. “By working together and investing in the city,” Onorato explained, “everyone benefits. For too many years, tourism in Rome was managed haphazardly. Instead, we have adopted a scientific approach, based on constant communication and marketing activities.”
Onorato added that the organization of ‘Rise’ is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Rome’s position as a leading destination for luxury tourism. This strategy, according to the councillor, is confirmed by the data: “We are coming off a record-breaking three-year period. In 2025, with 52.9 million presences, we surpassed the historical record of 2024.” Employment is also growing, with “+5.5 percent annually for three years,” while hotel investments are rapidly expanding, with “27 five-star hotels and 79 four-star hotels opened since 2021.” According to an estimate by Il Sole 24 Ore, Onorato recalled, the economic impact of tourism in Rome reached “13.3 billion euros” in 2024.
Angelucci: Rome Has Rediscovered Its International Image
Mariano Angelucci, President of the Capitoline Tourism, Fashion, and International Relations Commission, echoed similar sentiments. “Rome is experiencing a new and mature phase of its tourism development,” he stated, “based on a clear strategy, structural investments, and an increasingly recognizable quality offering internationally.”
Events like ‘Rise,’ Angelucci explained, “are not mere promotional events, but true positioning platforms, capable of generating value, relationships, and concrete opportunities for the city’s economic system.” He noted that the event was strongly desired, along with Councillor Onorato, precisely with this objective.
Teamwork Among Institutions, Businesses, and Citizens
According to Angelucci, the most significant outcome of this phase is “having recreated identity and the ability to work as a team.” He observed, “Excellence in Rome has never been lacking, but teamwork was missing, which is now a reality: with businesses, operators, categories, with the Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio, with the actors of the Rome DMO, and, not to be overlooked, with residents.”
The ongoing investments, he added, are the result of this vision: “Improving the quality of life for those who live in the city also means improving the experience for those who visit Rome.” This framework includes major urban regeneration projects promoted by the Gualtieri administration, such as Piazza di Spagna, Piazza dei Cinquecento, Piazza Pia, Piazza Indipendenza, and Piazza Fiume, as well as the Portico d’Ottavia.
Urban Regeneration and Quality Events
Angelucci also cited the regeneration project of Via Veneto, funded with 5 million euros, and Piazza Mignanelli, a symbol of Maestro Valentino’s work, along with the enhancement of the archaeological parks of Gabii and Ostia Antica. “Continuing to invest in quality events and working to build teamwork,” he concluded, “is the best way to continue to grow the city.”
