According to the Italian National Tourism Organization (ENIT), American bookings to visit Italy increased by 50% compared to last year’s Easter holiday. Tourist numbers are soaring, with the country forecast to surpass pre-pandemic Italy in 2019 in 2023.
Destinations across the country are therefore introducing restrictions in order to offset the impact of overtourism and ensure the health of Italy’s culture, art and environment for future generations.
Several Italian destinations retooled for tourism
imposed on the first Florentines Seasonal ticket prices Varies depending on peak tourist season. Uffizi Gallery.
Three other Italian destinations, Portofino, Trentino Alto Adige and Venice, now have new rules and regulations in place to prioritize quality over quantity.
More change is imminent. ENITs Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanche called for a new policy Get information on dealing with overtourism on the Tourism Board website.
“Italy has been confirmed as one of the top destinations for Easter holidays in Europe, second only to Spain. Love for our country is no longer just local. Over 35,000 bookings come from the US, making it one of the most important spending targets for Italian tourists.
“This proves that we are doing well, but the real challenge is to adjust seasonally to ensure we have tourists all year round, so we are going even further. A lot has to be done and it can be done, and this is what we will be working on over the next few months.”
Portofino Fiennes Tourist
Imagine a small fishing village in Genoa with a population of 500. grow to thousands almost all night. This is what Portofino looks like at peak tourism, whether tourists come by car or by cruise ship. Travelers from all over the world seek the opportunity to capture unparalleled views of this jewel-like harbor, with its colorful houses lining the water’s edge. But as a result, the city suffers from severe congestion and traffic problems.
The hotspots of the Italian Riviera are fine the tourist Staying or gathering at certain times of the day in hopes of regulating the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic for safety reasons.
Visitors in the city’s “Red Zone” or “Yellow Zone” can stroll along the waterfront, but if they stop for any reason during the daytime time limit from now until October 15, 2023. will be fined from €68 to €275.
Portofino Mayor Matteo Viaacava says the rules are simple: keep moving or pay the penalty.
The first red zone is between Piazza Martiri Olivetta and Pier Umberto I from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The second Red Zone is located in the Morro Humberto I waterfront area from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Traveler in Trentino-Alto Adige Caps
A perfect blend of picturesque architecture and dreamy snow-capped mountains, the Trentino-Alto Adige region attracts many visitors.Reached the Swiss-Austrian border 34 million nights last year.
Medieval castles, Dolomites and charming villages draw tourists. Still, I get frustrated when I can’t find an available hotel, parking lot, or restaurant. And the residents are also unhappy. Overtourism has made restrictions even more stringent in this famous northern Italian region. That makes a visit to Trentino Alto He Adige even more special.
Tourism restrictions have two implications for the region. First, the number of officially registered and approved guest beds is capped at 230,000, and new accommodation for travelers can only be opened with local government approval. Secondly, a reservation system for day-trippers has been put in place to avoid crowds at popular sites such as alpine lake Lago di Braies and alpine meadow Alpe di Siusi.
CEO and Founder travel italian style, Cassandra Lena Santoro is dedicated to helping her clients explore Italy like a local but with the comfort of a tourist.she I agree with the regulations recently introduced by the region.
“As a travel agency owner, I always recommend visiting the beautiful mountainous regions of Italy. As an Italian and someone who spends most of the year in Italy, I couldn’t agree more with Trentino Alto Adige’s decision.
“A colleague once told me that tourism is life. I love the Italian passion for everything, including their work. What is life like for locals who can’t?Regulations are needed to ensure that these places are properly valued by tourists and inhabited by natives.I hope many other areas follow suit. Italy’s soul and jewels of history can and will eventually be lost if we do not protect our country during our travels.
“Measures in the Trentino Alto Adige region will ensure a better quality of life for residents and tourists.”
Venice requires reservations and airport surcharges apply
Overtourism has plagued Venice for many years. The effects range from crowded passages to tourists. swim in the canal Venice where swimming is prohibited. In some cases, the act spoils the enjoyment of others who are trying to enjoy the city in peace. There are also more serious incidents, such as the theft of gondolas and the graffiti of the Redentore church.
Venice’s megaship ban has forced some cruise lines to change route ship near Trieste.
Nevertheless, Venice continues to deal with overtourism. So last year, the city announced it would launch a reservation system. Guests who have already paid the occupancy tax must register. At the same time, day-trippers must register and pay a fee.
It also announced that travelers departing from Marco Polo Airport near Venice will have to pay a fee. small surcharge. The city has postponed tourism bookings and taxes for 2023 without announcing dates for next year, but airport surcharges are expected to begin in April 2024.
Harm of tourism
How does Italy allow travelers to freely enjoy the country and its treasures while dealing with unpredictable bad apples that endanger its treasures?
Consider Michelangelo’s Pieta. famous works of art in romeIt was placed behind bulletproof glass after a Hungarian tourist attacked it with a hammer in the 1970s. Or on the Spanish Steps, where two American tourists rudely threw themselves off a scooter and down the steps, causing $25,000 worth of damage.
To ensure that Italy, a unique destination where art, history and culture have coexisted for centuries, remains a place tourists can visit for countless lifetimes to come, the state introduces regulations. There is a need to.
This article was created by sometimes home Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Co-owned and operated by Mikkel Woodruff sometimes home and sometimes sailing I run a travel website with my husband Dan.
They call the East Coast of the United States home, travel nationally and internationally, inspiring people to seek new experiences and explore new places through inspirational content.
