L'Italo-Americano

NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS www.italoamericano.org 8 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 L'Italo-Americano I n recent years, over- tourism has become a significant concern for many iconic loca- tions worldwide, with several Italian cities at the forefront of this challenge. Picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage draw millions to our shores each year, but the surge in visitors often leaves local communi- ties grappling with disrupted daily lives and deteriorating cultural sites. As cities like Venice take bold steps to manage the influx of tourists through innovative measures, others are prompted to follow s u i t , c o n s i d e r i n g s i m i l a r approaches to preserve their uniqueness while still wel- coming visitors. It all began in La Serenis- sima Venice, known of course for its stunning canals and historical architecture, has long faced the issue of over- tourism: the city's unique charm attracts tourists in numbers that far exceed its capacity, leading to signifi- cant strain on both infra- structure and residents. In response, the city introduced a tourist tax, which went into effect just a handful of d a y s a g o , o n t h e 2 5 t h o f April. The fee of €5 applies to day-trippers, and aims at controlling the overwhelming crowds, particularly during peak times and weekends from April to mid-July. The tax is enforced through an online platform where visi- tors pay and receive a QR code for entry. This measure is part of a broader package of restric- tions initially approved in 2019 but delayed by the pan- d e m i c . B e s i d e s t h e t a x , Venice has also taken drastic s t e p s s u c h a s b a n n i n g cruise ships from the city center in 2021, reflecting a strong commitment to pro- tecting its cultural heritage and quality of life for resi- dents. Exceptions to the fee include locals, their relatives, children under 14, and those staying in hotels within the city, along with students and workers commuting daily. Como's Turn Located on the shores of its namesake, Lake Como, this exquisite town is a living, breathing community deeply a f f e c t e d b y o v e r t o u r i s m . Indeed, Como, celebrated for its serene waters and lush landscapes, attracts over one million tourists each year, a c c o r d i n g t o r e c e n t e s t i - m a t e s . T h i s i n f l u x , w h i l e beneficial economically, has started to erode the quality of life for permanent resi- d e n t s a n d s t r a i n l o c a l resources. Mayor Alessandro Rap- inese has taken a cue from Venice's playbook, announc- ing that Como might soon implement a tourist tax for day visitors. While specific details regarding the amount and exact start date are still under discussion, the intent is clear—to curb the adverse effects of overtourism. "We are already discussing the idea [of a tourist tax]," Rap- i n e s e s t a t e d , s i g n a l i n g a proactive approach. "Revolu- tions begin with concrete measures and we are ready for this long journey." T h e p r o p o s a l a r i s e s amidst increasing pressures such as the proliferation of second homes and holiday rentals, which have notably emptied the historic center o f p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n t s . Fabio Dadati, president of the local enterprise Lari- ofiere, highlighted this trend, noting significant impacts on community services, includ- ing local schools struggling to maintain student num- bers. Expected Impact T h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f a tourist tax in Como is antici- pated to generate funds that could be redirected towards maintaining and enhancing public services and infra- structure strained by tourist n u m b e r s . T h i s i n i t i a t i v e could also help manage the visitor flow to protect and preserve cultural sites, much like Villa del Balbianello, which had to reduce its daily visitor cap from 2,000 to 1 , 2 0 0 t o m i t i g a t e o v e r - tourism impacts. However, the proposal is not without its challenges: local businesses, particularly t h o s e r e l i a n t o n t o u r i s m , e x p r e s s c o n c e r n s a b o u t potential declines in visitor numbers. Balancing the eco- nomic benefits of tourism with the need for sustainabil- ity and resident quality of life will be crucial. Engaging with all stakeholders—residents, b u s i n e s s o w n e r s , a n d tourists—will be key to refin- ing and implementing the tax effectively. The broader picture Overtourism is not unique to Venice or Como, rather, it is a widespread issue across many of Italy's most beloved d e s t i n a t i o n s . F r o m t h e crowded streets of Florence to the ruins of Pompeii, Italy f a c e s t h e d e l i c a t e t a s k o f managing massive tourist influxes without compromis- ing its heritage or the quality of life for its citizens; for this reason, national and local governments are increasing- l y a d o p t i n g m e a s u r e s t o ensure tourism sustainability that can serve as a model globally. For example, the Cinque Terre region has experi- m e n t e d w i t h l i m i t i n g t h e number of tourists by requir- ing paid passes for access to hiking trails, effectively con- trolling the environmental impact on these fragile land- scapes. Similarly, Rome has implemented regulations to prevent overcrowding at its i c o n i c s i t e s , l i k e t i m e d entries for the Vatican and the Colosseum. These initiatives reflect a g r o w i n g a w a r e n e s s a n d proactive stance on the part of Italian authorities towards sustainable tourism: they recognize that, while tourism is a vital part of the econo- my—it contributes signifi- cantly to local and national revenues, with 2806.63 mil- lion euro (around 3000 mil- lion USD) recorded in Janu- a r y 2 0 2 4 — i t s h o u l d n o t come at the expense of the country's cultural integrity or the well-being of its resi- dents. As Italy continues to look into the challenges of over- tourism, the balance between welcoming tourists and pre- serving the local way of life remains a pivotal focus. The efforts in Venice and Como, among others, highlight an evolving approach to tourism management that prioritizes sustainability and communi- ty welfare: for tourists, these measures may mean slightly h i g h e r c o s t s a n d m i n o r inconveniences, but they also promise a more authentic and enjoyable experience while ensuring that the trea- sures of Italy will endure for generations to come. FRANCESCA BEZZONE C o m o c o n s i d e r s t o u r i s t t a x t o combat overtourism Lake Como (above) is a renowned tourist destination in the North of the country (Photo: Xantana/Dreamstime)

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