These information pages are here to help give you a starting point to find out about some of the obligations that may apply to you if you decide to host Experiences on Airbnb. These pages include summaries of some of the rules that may apply to different sorts of activities, and contain links to official resources that you may find helpful.

Please understand that these information pages are not comprehensive, and are not legal advice. If you are unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your Experience, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.

Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the law has not changed recently.*

What is a tour guide?

Tour guiding is a licensed profession in Italy. The relevant regional legislationfor Rome regulates the following:

• Tour guides: are professionals who guide individuals or groups through museums, monuments, villas, archeological sites, art galleries and other sites of artistic relevance in Italy, with the purpose of illustrating their characteristics. They have a specific educational background that helps them provide detailed information about the cultural, technical and artistic characteristics of an artistic venue. For example, tour guides can provide you with information about a listed building: who is the architect, when it was built and completed, what style or art movement it relates to.
• Tour managers: are professionals whose job it is to take care of the practical aspects of an organised trip and ensure that it runs smoothly (e.g. taking care of documents and formalities and assisting members of the tour).
• Tour interpreters: are professionals who assist foreign tourists with translations during their stay, trips, meetings, or touristic events. If you’re an interpreter, you’ll generally need a tour interpreter license.

When am I likely to be considered a tour guide?

Here are some examples of when you are likely to be considered to be acting as a tour guide:

• I take someone to a historic quarter explaining the art movement it was inspired by - we go to an antiques market and then follow up with a guided visit to a museum or art gallery.
• I take my guests to the Colosseum, buying tickets for them, and then walk them through the Imperial Forum giving them historical details on the Roman Empire.

Here are some examples of when you are likely not to be considered to be acting as a tour guide:

• I meet my guests in the neighbourhood where I was born and raised, and walk with them to my favourite restaurant where we are joined by a group of close friends of mine. Together, we tell travelers why the neighbourhood is so special to us. (Note: The position is different if you also walk them through the city to explain the history of local tourist attractions or buildings of architectural or historical merit.)
• I run yoga and fitness classes for my guests, and then we continue our training outdoor running together by the river or around an interesting part of the city centre. (Note: the position is different if you go beyond the outdoor activity, and you indulge in detailed explanations about the historical or artistic buildings you come across during your run.)
• I love music and football, so from time to time, I take guests to a local music gig, then to the stadium to watch the game and meet some players I know.

What if I am considered to be a tour guide: do I need to get a license?

Yes. If the activities you want to offer are those reserved to tour guides or tour managers, you will need to pass an exam and get a specific license. You will also need to comply with the general requirements that apply to businesses.

On this page, you can find a summary of relevant declarations and forms you need to submit before the authorities in order to start your activity as a tour guide, a tour manager or a tour interpreter; and you will also find some relevant contact details of the Tourism desk.

How do I get a license? What are the requirements?