A port guide covering Palermo, Italy, says the Sicilian capital was previously avoided by some visitors due to perceptions of grime and links to Mafia activity. The guides report that Palermo has since improved its image and urban environment, presenting itself as a growing tourist destination. Across the sources, Palermo is described as having “cleaned up its act,” leading to increased interest from travelers. Rather than focusing on specific attractions or events, the coverage emphasizes the city’s shift from a reputation that deterred visitors to one that now draws them. The tone is consistent across outlets: it frames Palermo’s change as a move toward mainstream tourism, marking the city as one of Italy’s newer hotspots. The articles do not provide detailed evidence or timeframes for the transformation, but they concur that the city’s reputation has evolved and tourism demand is rising.