Overtourism is a phenomenon gripping an ever-growing list of popular travel destinations, but few countries know more about the pitfalls of welcoming a few too many travellers than Italy.
Over the last couple of years, the Mediterranean country has implemented a series of anti-overtourism measures, ranging from visitor caps at the Trevi Fountain and a tourist tax in Venice to holiday rental restrictions in Florence and barriers around scenic South Tyrol villages.
Now, the island of Capri has announced new restrictions. In the summer months, there’ll be caps on the size of group numbers and new rules for how tour guides must operate.
The move comes after businesses and residents have raised concerns about how large crowds clog the already narrow streets and overwhelm popular viewpoints, and annual numbers of around 50,000 daily visitors during the summer season completely dwarf the 13,000-15,000 population of locals.
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Specifically, tour groups arriving on the island will be capped at 40 people, and for groups of more than 20 people, only discreet signs or regulation paddles are allowed – no flags or umbrellas. Loudspeakers will also be banned; instead, travellers will need earpieces to listen to their guides.
The decision has been welcomed by local business owners, and the president of Capri’s hotelier association Lorenzo Coppola described the move as ‘an act of responsibility that reflects our vision of an island that is finally more liveable’, according to euronews.
‘Tourists? All of them, but not all at once. I’m not for first or second-class visitors, and no one should be excluded,’ he said to Corriere del Mezzogiorno. ‘But there must also be a limit on groups because space on the island is limited. So, I welcome the cap, which I don’t see as protecting just VIP tourism, but for everyone.’
Capri’s historic overtourism measures
Sure, there’s been an immense number of rules, regulations, caps, and new booking systems launched at destinations and attractions across Europe over the last couple of years, but as long as the 1950s, Capri implemented rules for its visitors.
There were strict etiquette requirements, and the blaring of radios playing loudly, plus the donning of wooden clogs, were forbidden.
Paolo Falco, mayor of Capri, also stated the island’s council is planning a measure to limit boat traffic at the Marina Grande port. Stay tuned for more updates on all things overtourism in Italy.
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