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“Robin Hood” activists have struck a blow against over-tourism in Rome with an attack on short-term vacation rentals in the Italian capital.
The protesters, channelling the mythical folk hero of English legend, visited several properties in the city and wrenched off the black key safes normally used by tourists to access their keys.
They left a protest note attached to a lamp post that featured a Robin Hood-styled felt hat.
The anonymous act of sabotage took place along a thoroughfare that slices through the heart of Rome’s ancient ruins, the Daily Telegraph reported — between the Circus Maximus and the Palatine Hill, the home of emperors since the founding of Ancient Rome.
One of the protesters’ notes read: “If you are looking for the key safes and can’t find them, read this. We are rebelling. We have removed these key storage boxes to denounce the sellout of the city to short-stay holidays which alienate locals and leave residents out on the streets.”
Rental costs in Rome have experienced “an exponential growth” in lockstep with the increase in short-term lets, the protesters allege.
It’s claimed many landlords in the city have been evicting long-term tenants with an eye to cashing in on next year’s Jubilee celebrations when up to 30 million visitors are expected to attend the special Vatican year of events.
The protest letters said rents are rising while Italian salaries remain stagnant, adding the spread of short-term accommodation is “taking away space for ordinary families.”
Roberto Gaultieri, the mayor of Rome, is being urged to curb the number of holiday rentals.
The Robin Hood stunt is one of several protest movements this year across Europe opposing mass tourism.