interview: Azarja Grasselli
Authorities in Trieste have intensified inspections of the city’s accommodation facilities, uncovering numerous regulatory violations, city officials announced Monday. Over the past two years, the Local Police have conducted 280 inspections, identifying 19 unlicensed establishments, eight lacking a required identification code, and two without essential safety equipment such as gas detectors and fire extinguishers.
At a press conference held at City Hall, Trieste’s Councillor for Citizen Security Policies, Caterina de Gavardo, emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring both public safety and legal compliance in the hospitality sector. “Our goal is to maintain fair competition among businesses while safeguarding Trieste’s image,” she said.
The inspections, conducted by the Local Police’s Commercial Police and Tax Investigations Unit (NPC), have intensified in response to the city’s tourism boom. Four officers are exclusively assigned to these checks, which target hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rental properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
According to Local Police Chief Walter Milocchi, violations varied in severity. Some establishments operated without the legally required notification to municipal authorities, while others failed to install basic safety devices. Additionally, four property owners were reported for failing to submit guest information to law enforcement, a legal requirement under Italian public security regulations.
City officials pointed to regional law no. 21 of 2016, which classifies accommodation facilities and mandates regulatory compliance. Licensed operators must obtain a Certified Notification of Activity Start (SCIA) and a National Identification Code (CIN) from the Ministry of Tourism, which must be displayed both on-site and in online listings.
The crackdown reflects a broader effort to regulate Trieste’s rapidly expanding tourism sector. Inspectors cross-check listings on rental platforms with municipal databases and verify compliance through on-site visits. In addition to safety and licensing requirements, officials are ensuring that tourist tax payments are correctly processed.
As the tourism industry in Trieste continues to grow, authorities say they will remain vigilant in monitoring accommodation providers. “We are working to protect both visitors and the city’s reputation,” de Gavardo said. “Compliance with regulations is not optional.”
Interview: Trieste’s Councilor for Citizen Security Policies, Caterina de Gavardo
