Rome's 2,000-year-old Colosseum is now the scene of a new epic clash—one that is emblematic of Italy’s current struggle to balance its surging post-Covid tourism industry with the needs of locals who feel under siege as their towns and cities become unlivable tourist playgrounds, reports CNN.

On one side of the arena is holiday rental giant Airbnb and the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which oversees the ruined structure, which is one of Rome’s most visited attractions.

The two organizations have signed a $1.5 million deal to offer 16 tourists a chance to “unleash their inner gladiator” by booking a free experience at the Colosseum as part of a tie-in to the newly released Paramount film “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott.

As part of the Airbnb promotion, announced this week, would-be gladiators can sign up on the short-term rental platform from November 27 for a chance to be one of 16 qualifying to take part in a “mock battle” against each other in full gladiatorial garb in May 2025. The experience is free, but winners will have to arrange their transportation and accommodation in the Eternal City.

On the other side is Rome’s councilor for culture, Massimiliano Smeriglio. He has asked the rental platform to withdraw the plan, but leave the money, saying the promotion is an insult to the Colosseum’s historic stature.

“The issue is not the public-private relationship or the desire of big brands to support the protection and conservation,” Smeriglio said in a statement shared with CNN. “But to avoid a demeaning use of our historical-artistic heritage, especially when it comes to a monument that is unique in the world like the Colosseum."

Enzo Foschi, a politician for the center-left Democratic Party which currently controls Rome, criticized the Colosseum Archeological Park, which operates under the national cultural ministry, for agreeing to the Airbnb deal at a time when many Italian cities are struggling against overtourism.

“A publicity stunt by Airbnb which, after having effectively taken possession of the historic center, completely distorting it and turning it into a large tourist park, now wants to ridicule the Colosseum,” he said. “We are not in Disneyland, we are in Rome. Every now and then someone seems to forget it."