L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 2023 www.italoamericano.org 10 L'Italo-Americano T he Colosseum, o n e o f R o m e ' s most monumental i c o n s f r o m a n c i e n t t i m e s , faced a moder n chal l enge a f t e r t h e p a n d e m i c : t h e demand for online tickets increased significantly, with most of them being purchased by large ticket agencies. As a result, a black market for tick- ets emerged, leading to a sig- nificant increase in prices, which put small tour opera- tors and spontaneous visitors at a disadvantage. The official w e b s i t e o f t e n d i s p l a y e d a " s o l d o u t " b a n n e r , w h i c h added to the frustration of many who wanted to explore and see with their own eyes this incredible relic of Rome's ancient glory. I n a b i d t o t a c k l e t h e s e i s s u e s , M a y 2 0 2 3 s a w t h e Colosseum reopen its on-site ticket counters, albeit for specified time slots only. This strategic move aimed at man- aging the surge of tourists, ensuring a semblance of order amidst the previously chaotic ticketing scenario. By Sep- tember 2023, a noteworthy shift in the selling strategy for a g e n c i e s h a d b e e n i m p l e - mented: agencies could now sell tickets only when bundled with additional services like guided tours or multimedia experiences, a step to enhance the visitor experience while a d d r e s s i n g t h e t i c k e t i n g chaos. As autumn leaves started to fall, on October 18, 2023, the Colosseum embarked on another phase of its ticketing reform: personalized tick- ets made their entry, man- d a t i n g a m a t c h i n g I D f o r every ticket holder to curb scalping. While this change made the ticketing process more stringent, its primary aim was to ensure fair pricing and ticket availability for all. The system drew a parallel with measures enforced for s o c c e r m a t c h e s i n I t a l y , u n d e r s c o r i n g a s e r i o u s endeavor towards regulating t h e i n f l u x o f v i s i t o r s a n d upholding a sense of decorum within the historical precincts of the Colosseum. These measures reflect a deliberate effort to balance the scales between demand a n d f a i r n e s s t o v i s i t o r s , ensuring that each sightseer, whether a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, gets a fair chance to visit the Colosseum w i t h o u t t h e c h a o s t h a t marred the recent past. The newly introduced sys- tem, though devised with fairness in mind has, howev- er, brought about certain implications. One of the main challenges is the hurdle it poses for spontaneous visits: the essence of impromptu exploration, which often adds a u n i q u e f l a v o r t o t r a v e l e x p e r i e n c e s , f i n d s i t s e l f r e s t r a i n e d . T o u r i s t s n o w need to plan their visits well in advance, and adhere to a p r e d e t e r m i n e d s c h e d u l e , which may not always align with the fluid nature of trav- el. T h e t i c k e t p u r c h a s e p r o c e s s , t o o , h a s b e c o m e more laborious. For families with children, the journey through the ticketing process is further extended, as child tickets necessitate an on-site purchase accompanied by age verification. This addi- tional step, although in place to ensure accuracy and fair- ness, demands more time and effort from families, who might already find traveling w i t h c h i l d r e n t o b e q u i t e complex. On a brighter note, the installation of a new stage w i t h i n t h e C o l o s s e u m premises marks a promising shift towards enhancing the visitor experience: this addi- t i o n a l l o w s v i s i t o r s t h e unique opportunity to view the Colosseum's majestic vaulted walls from a central v a n t a g e p o i n t , o f f e r i n g a fresh perspective and a closer glimpse into the architectural m a r v e l t h a t t h i s b u i l d i n g truly is. The stage also opens up the avenue for hosting cultural events, a move that e m b r a c e s t h e e t h o s o f respectful engagement with historical spaces; this initia- tive aims to foster a deeper connection between visitors a n d t h e a n c i e n t e d i f i c e , enabling a space where the past can be observed and enjoyed in a dignified man- ner. The staging of cultural events within such a historic backdrop not only enriches the visitor experience but also represents a respectful way for visitors to interact and relate to the monumen- tal legacy of Rome. The varying facets of the new system, each with its o w n s e t o f i m p l i c a t i o n s , r e f l e c t a c o n c e r t e d e f f o r t t o w a r d e n s u r i n g a m o r e organized, respectful, and enriching interaction with one of history's most iconic landmarks. The responses and adjustments to these changes are in line with the evolving dynamics between historical spaces and mod- ern-day tourism. The stringent measures undertaken at the Colosseum are in line with a larger nar- rative involving respect for monuments and art. Recent times have witnessed dis- h e a r t e n i n g i n c i d e n t s o f defacement, emphasizing the need for a meaningful dia- logue on preserving these historical treasures for the generations to come. The Colosseum, as many of you probably know, has not been spared from such acts: dur- ing the summer, the monu- ment was vandalized on mul- tiple occasions within a short span, with cases involving young tourists carving into its walls, then stating unaware- ness of the monument's age and importance as a reason for their acts. These incidents highlight a growing concern over the dis- r e g a r d s h o w n t o w a r d s invaluable historical and cul- tural assets: the ease with which individuals can deface and degrade these sites called for a re-evaluation of the pre- ventive measures in place. Increased fines were intro- duced as a deterrent, but the issue, unfortunately, contin- ues, questioning the efficacy of punitive measures alone. T h e r e ' s , i t s e e m s , a c o m - pelling need for education- al initiatives to foster a sense of responsibility and awareness among visitors about the irreplaceable value and the ancient legacy they are privileged to witness. Interacting with history and art, as visitors and view- e r s , c o m e s w i t h a s e t o f responsibilities; advisory tips for visiting the Colosseum, f o r i n s t a n c e , s t r e s s t h e importance of understanding the booking system, carrying a valid ID, and considering guided tours to enrich the experience while adhering to the new norms. The changes in the ticketing system cer- tainly underline a broader t h e m e o f r e s p o n s i b l e tourism: by mandating per- sonalized tickets and ensur- ing a regulated flow of visi- tors, the authorities aim to maintain a decorous environ- ment conducive to appreciat- ing the historical essence of the place. This narrative, in fact, goes beyond just the Colosseum, hinting at a larg- er discourse on how the awe- inspiring vestiges of history should be treated to remain unspoiled for the continuum of generations to come. B u t o u r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y extends to understanding the spirit of the places we visit, the history they enshroud, and the legacy they carry. In the end, it all comes to foster- ing a culture of respect and admiration for the past and the beautiful gifts it left us. Gladiator entrance at the Colosseum (Photo: Judith Hudson/Dreamstime) and (right) two happy visitors. Recently, ticket desks opened again, but booking online is still advised (Photo: Goodluz/Dreamstime) Preserving history, one ticket at a time: the Colosseum's new entry norms GIULIA FRANCESCHINI ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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