South Tyrol’s bed stop

South Tyrol's bed stop: a new balance between tourism and sustainability

South Tyrol's bed stop

South Tyrol, a pristine Alpine paradise, is on the brink of a transformative change. To preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the region has implemented a bold new policy: the bed-stop. This groundbreaking decision aims to limit the number of tourist beds, striking a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This decision will reshape the region’s tourism landscape, significantly impacting all stakeholders, particularly property owners aiming to capitalize on the rental market. The window of opportunity to apply for a license to increase bed capacity closed on June 30, 2023.

The municipalities of Corvara and Badia are actively adapting to this new reality. They are readily available to provide all necessary information about the current evolving situation. All property owners intending to rent their home are required to apply for a National Identification Code (CIN), which allows them to draw up a maximum of four contracts per year (of varying duration) without any form of offline or online advertising, with the penalty being the revocation of the CIN. So, promoting the properties through any channel (social media, portals, and so on) is something they strictly prohibit.

The role of the CIN Code and how to apply for it

The introduction of the National Identification Code (CIN) represents a significant step forward in transparency and regulation within the short-stay rental sector. To claim it, people must log in via SPID or CIE to the Ministry of Tourism portal and complete the relevant fields with personal information. The request will be forwarded to the municipality, which will issue the CIN if the conditions are suitable.

The Benefits of the Bed-Stop Policy

Protection of the territory by limiting the number of tourists, thus preserving the environment and avoiding overcrowding in sensitive areas.
Improve residents’ quality of life due to decreased noise, pollution, and traffic congestion caused by mass tourism.
Promote sustainable tourism to develop a more respectful sector of the environment and local communities.

Bypassing the Bed-Stop Regulations: An Alternative Approach

For those considering purchasing a home in South Tyrol, particularly in Alta Badia, a valid alternative is to buy a property part of an accommodation facility (RTA) that already holds the license and can rent the home without further licensing. This provides a secure income stream over time and allows for unlimited contracts during the year.

Tourist-Hotel Residences (RTAs) apartments are regulated per Article 9, paragraph 5, Legislative Decree 79/2011. This defines tourist-hotel residences or simply RTAs as follows: “Accommodation establishments open to the public, with unitary management, located in one or more buildings or parts of buildings, offering accommodation and ancillary services in furnished housing units, consisting of one or more rooms, equipped with independent kitchen service (…).”

With that in mind, the key benefits of purchasing in RTAs are:

Profitability: By renting out the apartment during periods of non-use, it’s possible to generate income.
Simplified management: the company that oversees the touristic structure streamlines property management.
Premium service standards: Guests can enjoy high-quality services that increase the property’s attractiveness.
Free use of the property: The owner can use the property for his vacations, observing the facility’s rules.

To conclude, the bed-stop in South Tyrol marks a significant turning point for tourism in this region. Those who wish to rent out their property must either adapt to a new environment with increased regulation or invest in RTAs.