The Battle Against Overtourism in Italy

Italy, a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage, has been grappling with the issue of overtourism. In 2022, the number of tourists visiting Italy nearly equaled its total population. As a result, the country has implemented various measures to combat this problem.

In an effort to combat transgressions by ill-behaved visitors, Italy has proposed new policies. One notorious incident involved a tourist taking a swim in Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain. While some officials considered limiting access to the monument, this idea was dismissed due to concerns about obstructing the fountain’s view.

Overtourism poses challenges beyond disruptive behavior. Narrow sidewalks in Rome make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the streets comfortably. Additionally, public transportation becomes congested, resembling sardines in a can. Litter is another pertinent issue.

To address these concerns, Italy has introduced new regulations. In Venice, starting from June, tour groups will be limited to 25 people and will no longer be permitted to use loudspeakers. Furthermore, tourists are encouraged not to pause while crossing the city’s bridges. The aim is to promote sustainable tourism and ensure the city’s protection and safety.

Italy is not the only country taking action against overtourism. In Portofino, lingering while taking a selfie can result in a fine. In Northern Italy’s Alto Adige region, overnight tourism is capped to prevent overcrowding. Visitors to Sardinia must also make reservations via the Cuore di Sardegna app to access the beach.

Additionally, Italy is heavily regulating short-term rentals to free up housing for locals. Florence, for instance, has completely banned new short-term licenses in its city center.

While these regulations are a step in the right direction, overtourism remains a challenge not only for Italy but also for many cities worldwide. Simone Amorico, CEO of Access Italy, suggests exploring lesser-known neighborhoods and cultural experiences with the guidance of a local tour guide. Moreover, he emphasizes the presence of incredible family-owned hotels as an alternative to short-term rentals.

Italy continues to find innovative ways to balance tourism and preserve its heritage. By implementing effective measures and promoting sustainable travel, the country can overcome the issue of overtourism while providing a unique and authentic experience for visitors.

1. Što je overtourism?
Overtourism je termin koji se koristi za opisivanje situacije kada turizam postaje prenaporan za određenu destinaciju zbog prekomjerne posjete turista. Ovo može dovesti do problema kao što su zagušenje infrastrukture, šteta na okolišu i uznemiravanje lokalne zajednice.

2. Kako Italija pokušava riješiti problem overtourism-a?
Italija je uspostavila različite mjere kako bi se borila protiv overtourism-a. Primjeri uključuju ograničavanje broja posjetitelja u određenim područjima, kao i reguliranje kratkoročnog najma kako bi se oslobodili smještajni kapaciteti za lokalne stanovnike.

3. Koje su neke konkretne mjere koje je Italija poduzela?
U Veneciji, od lipnja će se ograničavati broj ljudi u turističkim grupama na 25, a korištenje zvučnika više neće biti dopušteno. Turisti su također poticani da nastave kretanje bez zastoja pri prelasku mostova. U Portofinu se kažnjava dugotrajno zadržavanje dok se radi selfie, a u Alto Adige regiji se ograničava noćenje kako bi se spriječila gužva. Na Sardiniji turisti moraju rezervirati putem aplikacije Cuore di Sardegna kako bi pristupili plaži.

4. Koji su izazovi koje overtourism donosi Italiji?
Overtourism donosi različite izazove Italiji, uključujući ometanje javnog reda zbog neprimjerenog ponašanja turista, zagušenje prometa i infrastrukturu, te onečišćenje otpacima.

5. Koje su sugerirane alternative za rješavanje overtourism-a?
Simone Amorico, izvršni direktor tvrtke Access Italy, predlaže istraživanje manje poznatih četvrti i kulturnih iskustava uz pomoć lokalnog vodiča. Također, naglašava postojanje obiteljskih hotela kao alternativu kratkoročnim najmovima.

6. Kako turisti mogu pridonijeti održivom turizmu u Italiji?
Turisti mogu pridonijeti održivom turizmu u Italiji tako da poštuju lokalne norme i kulture, koriste javni prijevoz kad je to moguće, izbjegavaju ostavljanje smeća i podržavaju lokalne poslovne subjekte.

Srodne veze:
italia.it – Službena web stranica Italije za turizam.
veneziaunica.it – Službena web stranica Grada Venecije.
portofino.ge.it – Službena web stranica mjesta Portofino.
provincia.bz.it – Službena web stranica Južnog Tirola.
sardegna.it – Službena web stranica Sardinije.
accessitaly.net – Web stranica tvrtke Access Italy koja nudi turističke usluge i savjete.

The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar