Italy approves new rules that could make a visit to the beach a lot cheaper
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Italy has approved new rules to put lucrative concessions for beach clubs up for bidding by June 2027, responding to pressing demands from the EU to open up the sector to new players. open image in gallery A worn-out Italian flag flutters in the wind at a beach establishment in Ostia, near Rome For almost two decades, the European Commission has been locked in a legal battle with Italy over its beach concession practices, accusing the country of lacking transparency and breaching competition rules. Previous Italian governments, from left to right, have staunchly resisted EU directives requiring competitive tendering, persistently renewing the existing beach concessions without open procedures. They argue that keeping beach concessions in the family keeps costs for beachgoers down and prevents Italy‘s 7,500 km of coastline from falling into the hands of big chains that might not respect local traditions.