Marsala is gearing up for the new tourist season, amidst several novelties and ongoing challenges. While the local administration is focusing on the national Bersaglieri rally, the hospitality sector is grappling with issues such as unauthorized facilities, a closed tourist office, ongoing construction, and an increased tourist tax. These factors raise concerns about the city's true capability to offer an optimal welcome to visitors, especially during Easter, a traditionally crucial period marking the start of the tourist season.
Unauthorized Facilities One of the main issues in Marsala's tourism sector remains the prevalence of unauthorized hospitality establishments. Many facilities still fail to register with the CIN (National Identification Code), which is mandatory by law. This situation disadvantages compliant operators and fosters an irregular rental market. According to data from the new Regional Tourist Observatory of Sicily, many establishments in Marsala operate outside the law, lacking the required CIN and CIR (Regional Identification Code).
According to the analysis by the Association of Non-Hotel Structures (ASE) of Sicily, the registration figures in Marsala are as follows:
Renting without a CIN is considered illegal, and offenders risk fines ranging from 800 to 8,000 euros. Even failing to display the code outside the facility or in advertisements can lead to fines from 500 to 5,000 euros.
Tourist Tax Increase From March 1st, the tourist tax has increased, doubling in some cases, making Marsala one of the most expensive cities in terms of this levy. The rates vary by accommodation type and are applicable for up to seven consecutive nights per guest. The new daily rates, sorted by type of accommodation, are:
Exemptions outlined in the municipal regulations remain unchanged and are available on the Marsala city website. The local government urges accommodation managers to review the updated regulations to ensure correct tariff application and avoid penalties.
Bersaglieri Rally Mayor Massimo Grillo places high importance on this event, a significant political showcase aiming to boost his standing within the Brothers of Italy party. The rally is scheduled from May 8th to 11th, coinciding with the anniversary of the Expedition of the Thousand. The mayor anticipates "an influx of over 40,000 people and a final parade of more than 2,000 Bersaglieri through the city streets, a moment that will be remembered by all." However, attendance may not meet expectations as Marsala is not centrally located in Italy, requiring air travel for many participants from regions beyond the Strait of Messina. The city has allocated €300,000 for the three-day event, with additional funding requests pending from the Sicilian Region and Ars.
Construction Works Marsala must be impeccable for the event. There is concern that ongoing construction in various parts of the city may not be completed in time. Work on the waterfront and other key areas must finish before the Easter season to avoid negative impacts on the city's image during this critical tourist period.
Tourist Office The tourist office's management was supposed to be handled by Pirene srl, which eventually relinquished the role, likely due to the economic and bureaucratic burdens imposed by the tender. The city is preparing a new tender to attract local operators. In the meantime, the Marsala Pro Loco will provide tourist services, assisted by the Universal Civil Service personnel.
As Easter and the tourist season approach, Marsala faces several challenges that could impact the successful re-election of Mayor Grillo in spring 2026.
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