Italian tourism official says Rome 'totally capable' of handling pilgrim traffic during Jubilee Year
March 25, 2015
A leading Italian tourism official has scoffed at suggestions that the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis will strain the resources of Rome.
Rome is “totally capable” of absorbing an increase in visitors, Stefano Fiori, president of the Tourism and Free Time Industry section of employers' association Unindustria, told the ANSA news agency. He estimated that the surge of visitors during the Jubilee Year—which he estimated at a 30 to 50% increase over regular tourist traffic—would be “a great opportunity for the whole region.”
Fiori said that the influx of pilgrims, with the associated demand for housing, food, and other services, would produce a significant boost in employment for Italy. He also called attention to Rome’s “tourist tax,” which brings in about €95 million ($105 million) each year but will produce significantly greater income during the Jubilee.
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Further information:
- Rome 'capable' of hosting Jubilee (ANSA)
- Vatican downplays concerns about costs to government for Jubilee year (CWN, 3/19)
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