Rome experienced an extraordinary surge in international tourism in 2025 as the Catholic Holy Year prompted a record number of visitors, with Vatican and city officials reporting that about 33.5 million pilgrims arrived in the city from 185 countries. The influx, centred on religious observance and landmark Jubilee events, significantly outpaced earlier projections and marked a historic peak in visitor volumes for the once-every-quarter-century celebration.
The Holy Year, which opened on 24 December 2024 and is scheduled to conclude with the closing of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on 6 January 2026, attracted pilgrims drawn by the opportunity to receive indulgences and participate in special audiences and masses with the pope. Officials said participation from regions including Europe, North America and Latin America underscored the global reach of the event, with Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland among the leading source countries.
City authorities and the Vatican underscored the economic and infrastructural impact of the Jubilee year on Rome’s tourism sector. Around €3.7 billion in state and European Union funding supported more than 3 200 construction and renovation projects, including upgrades to public transport, restoration of historic sites and new visitor facilities, aimed at accommodating the unprecedented visitor numbers and enhancing the city’s appeal. Local hospitality and cultural sectors reported elevated demand throughout 2025, with extended stays and higher visitation at museums, galleries and heritage sites.
