PHOTO: © ACCESS ITALY

Few cities carry the weight of the history quite like Rome, but Italy’s capital increasingly looks forward. While Rome’s tourism sector is grounded in its ancient past, recent developments in infrastructure, policy and hospitality investments signal a pivot toward the future, with big changes unfolding just beneath the city’s famous cobblestones.

Rome’s post-pandemic rebound has been especially strong, fueled in part by aggressive tourism initiatives and growing investment. The Eternal City saw a marked return of American tourists in 2023 and 2024, bolstered by expanded direct routes from major U.S. carriers and a renewed appetite for international travel. Italy’s Ministry of Tourism launched the “Open to Meraviglia” campaign in 2023 to attract global travelers, particularly from North America, with Rome the centerpiece of that effort.

PHOTO: © ACCESS ITALY

One major evolution is Rome’s steady rise as a business travel hub. While Milan remains Italy’s financial capital, Rome is fast catching up as it expands its MICE infrastructure. The opening of state-of- the-art venues such as La Nuvola Convention Center and renovations of historic properties like Palazzo dei Congressi draw international conferences back to the city. A surge in luxury hotel development mirrors this shift as major groups including Six Senses, Bulgari and Edition launched new properties.

Italy’s broader economic strategy has also had implications on the capital. Tourism and culture remain national priorities under the PNRR (Italy’s E.U.-funded recovery plan), which allocated billions of euros for modernizing urban infrastructure and preserving cultural heritage. In Rome this has meant streamlined public transportation investments, especially in preparation for the Vatican Jubilee in 2025. The long-overdue Metro Line C, only the third in the city’s modest system, is finally making visible progress.

Rome also benefits from Italy’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, which created opportunities for app- based tour providers; digital museum access; and hospitality tech startups, several of which have chosen Rome as their base. And Rome is currently unveiling a city-wide 5G WiFi network with free public access.

Despite bureaucracy’s infamous pace in Rome, investors and developers increasingly see the city as a stable long-term play. With its historic assets protected by strict zoning, the luxury renovation market is booming, especially in former palazzos and cloisters turned into boutique hotels or serviced residences.

PHOTO: © ROMANOTINO | DREAMSTIME

Already underway, the Jubilee year delivers a seismic tourism boost to Rome. With more than 30 million visitors projected by year’s end, the Vatican, city planners and private enterprise have worked tirelessly to ensure Rome is not only equipped to handle the current boom but reshaped for the decades to follow.

CHECKING IN WITH SIMONE AMORICO
Co-owner, Access Italy

Who’s coming to Rome right now, and what are they looking for?
We have a diverse mix of visitors. Many are pilgrims arriving for the Jubilee, coming from all over the world. Their main interest is the Vatican, especially St. Peter’s Basilica, along with the other three major papal churches. On weekends we see a large influx of European travelers.

During summer we welcome more high- end travelers, primarily from the United States, looking to visit the main attractions but with a more exclusive experience. They often prefer early-morning or after-hours access to avoid crowds. They’re interested in discovering off- the-beaten-path neighborhoods and authentic local experiences, too.

Is anything new trending with these visitors?
The essence of Rome itself has stayed wonderfully consistent. But one significant positive change in recent years is the opening of several new luxury hotels, enhancing the city’s appeal for high-end travelers. However, as in many other cities, the rise of Airbnb has had an impact. With more short-term rentals available, some locals have been forced to move out due to rising rents or a lack of long-term housing options.

Another important trend is how the city addresses overtourism. Major sites have become more organized, with timed entry slots and restricted access to better manage crowds. A great example is Trevi Fountain, which now has a guided visitor flow to handle the overwhelming number of tourists. It’s a big improvement over the previously unmanaged access.

PHOTO: © PERSEOMEDUSA | DREAMSTIME

How does increased luxury travel impact itineraries?
We’ve seen a noticeable rise in demand for bespoke experiences, but even more so for “closed door” access — private, after-hours visits that offer an unparalleled sense of intimacy and exclusivity. Popular examples include private tours of Borghese Gallery after closing hours or early- morning access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before public opening. Culinary experiences also continue to grow in popularity, with food tours and wine tastings becoming key highlights for many visitors. At Access Italy, we take this a step further by offering highly personalized experiences like introductions to the winemakers themselves.

In terms of experiential travel, there’s also a clear shift toward sustainability. Many tour operators are introducing eco-conscious options, like Access Italy’s investment in golf carts and electric vehicles.

Is Rome having a pop culture moment, too?
The city has become a hot spot for international film productions. Recently, major projects have been filmed here, including Maserati: The Brothers starring Jessica Alba, Anthony Hopkins and Andy Garcia, as well as scenes from Emily in Paris. These productions spotlight Rome’s beauty but also reinforce its image as a vibrant, cinematic destination. The Italian government made substantial efforts to promote Rome globally. With the investments made in infrastructure and restoration, Rome today feels revitalized, almost like a brand-new city, while still preserving its timeless charm.

DIVERSIONS
Rome’s timeless appeal begins with its monuments, and first-time visitors still flock to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, each still awe-inspiring. The Vatican Museums remain a top draw, and St. Peter’s Basilica continues to impress with its scale and history, along with one of the city’s most breathtaking views from its dome.

Even among the classics, Rome is full of reinvention. The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are now subject to tighter crowd control, making early visits more rewarding and less chaotic. Galleria Borghese once again offers one of the city’s most refined cultural outings, especially for those seeking a more curated museum experience in a serene garden setting.

On the contemporary side, MAXXI museum, Italy’s national museum of 21st-century arts, pairs cutting-edge exhibitions with striking Zaha Hadid architecture. Not far off, formerly industrial Testaccio emerged as a modern hub for food and nightlife, where Rome’s new generation of chefs experiments alongside old-school bakeries and market stalls.

Rome rewards both structured itineraries and aimless wandering, so a detailed plan isn’t always necessary. But with so much to see, it’s worth creating a list of priorities before arriving.

LODGING
BULGARI HOTEL ROMA
A showcase of modern Roman luxury, this elegant property blends marble, art and rooftop views of historic domes with a Michelin-listed restaurant and full-service spa near the Mausoleum of Augustus.
Piazza Augusto Imperatore 10, Rome
$$$$$

HOTEL EDEN
Opened in 1889 and beloved for its panoramic rooftop, this celebrity-adored icon near the Spanish Steps combines classic glamour with discreet service and exquisite dining.
Via Ludovisi 49, Rome $$$$$

PALAZZO RIPETTA
This restored 17th-century palace, now a Relais & Châteaux property, offers con- temporary hospitality with modern minimalist design, curated art and smart tech touches.
Via di Ripetta 231, Rome $$$$$

DINING
ENOTECA LA TORRE
Set in a 20th-century villa near the Tiber, this refined restaurant balances Roman tradition and innovation, earning a Michelin star for its artfully plated cuisine and elegant service.
Villa Laetitia, Lungotevere delle Armi 23, Rome
$$$$$

IMÀGO
On the sixth floor of Hotel Hassler, this Michelin-starred dining room offers sweeping views over the Spanish Steps and a seasonal tasting menu combining Italian ingredients with fine-dining finesse.
Piazza della Trinità dei Monti 6, Rome
$$$$$

TAVERNA TRILUSSA
A longtime Trastevere favorite, this lively trattoria draws locals and visitors with nostalgic décor, house-made pasta served in pans, and crowd- pleasing Roman classics such as carbonara and amatriciana.
Via del Politeama 23/25, Rome

JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: GMT+1 (GMT+2 DST)
Phone code: Country code: 39 City code: 06
Currency: Euro
Key industries: Tourism and hospitality, fashion and luxury goods, film and media production, food and wine, and cultural heritage restoration

COMING AND GOING
U.S. citizens can enter for up to 90 days without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Italian

INFO TO GO
Rome Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” Airport is Rome’s primary air hub, while Ciampino (CIA) primarily serves low-cost carriers. The Leonardo Express train connects FCO to Termini Station in about 32 minutes. Taxis from FCO charge a fixed fare into central Rome. From Ciampino, shuttle buses and taxis provide access to the city in roughly 30–45 minutes.