Tour operators are making a last-ditch attempt to halt plans by Rome authorities to restrict coach access to the city’s historical centre.
An appeal is due to be heard today which will determine whether Rome’s tourism authorities go ahead with proposals to reduce coach access by two thirds.
ETOA, the European Tourism Association, is calling for a suspension of the plans until more effective solutions are found.
ETOA chairman Mario Bodini said: "Group tourism includes high-value business from developed markets worldwide. If Rome becomes operationally problematic, its status as a gateway to the rest of Italy for long haul tourism is in jeopardy.
"Unless the first-time visit to a destination is a success, travellers will hesitate before booking a second trip to Italy.
"We have already received reports that some operators are moving volume away from Rome for 2020 and cancelling included elements of their remaining programmes. We urge Rome not to implement the new coach access plan until a better solution is found."
The views were echoed by Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation, which takes 85,000 guests to Rome each year from the UK and further afield with brands including Insight, Trafalgar, and Contiki.
"We believe passionately in preserving and protecting the destinations and communities we visit, and we completely understand the motivation of the City of Rome to put measures in place to safeguard the city for future generations," he said.
"But the proposed changes here are counterproductive and will not only impact on its ability to cater for and manage visitors, but will also heavily impact its citizens.
"Group coach travel is actually one of the most efficient and sustainable methods of bringing tourists in to Rome and our holidays make use of local restaurants, hotels, guides, museums and attractions, even visiting local families, so we are contributing at every level of the tourism chain. We need a more consultative and collaborative approach between the City of Rome and tour operators like us, to come up with a longer term solution."
