The “Robin Hood Band”: A New Movement Against B&Bs in Italy
A group known as the “Robin Hood band” has recently caught the attention of both locals and tourists in Italy’s major cities due to their controversial methods of protesting the proliferation of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). This group, which takes its name from the legendary figure who stole from the rich to give to the poor, is challenging the spread of short-term rentals in popular Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Their main grievance lies in the way B&Bs and platforms like Airbnb are transforming neighborhoods, pushing up rents, and displacing local residents in favor of tourist accommodations. In response, the Robin Hood band has resorted to direct action. One of their most notable tactics involves sabotaging the padlocks that secure the keys to B&Bs, often by inserting glue into the locks to prevent tourists from accessing their accommodations.
These acts, though disruptive to visitors, are intended to make a statement against what they see as the detrimental effects of the growing short-term rental industry. By making it difficult for tourists to access B&Bs, they aim to draw attention to the negative consequences of these rentals on local housing markets, which they believe are increasingly catering to tourists rather than providing affordable living spaces for residents.
While their methods have been controversial, with some criticizing them for targeting tourists who are largely unaware of the local housing crisis, the Robin Hood band’s actions have fueled wider discussions about the impact of tourism on urban life in Italy. Many supporters view their protests as a necessary pushback against the encroachment of tourism into residential areas, which they argue is contributing to rising rents and the gentrification of historic neighborhoods.
As the movement gains traction, the Robin Hood band continues to challenge the status quo, advocating for stronger regulations on short-term rentals and more protections for local residents. Whether their actions will lead to significant policy changes remains to be seen, but the group has certainly sparked an important conversation about the future of housing and tourism in Italy’s cities.
Carlo Manca
