Following the introduction of a tourist fee in Venice this month, another iconic Italian destination drowning in tourists could be set to follow suit and charge daytrippers for access.
1.4 million visitors a year
At 146 square kilometres, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and sits in the north of the country, at the foot on the Alps. Aided by the unwitting endorsement of Hollywood star, George Clooney, who owns a villa on the shore, as well as glamourous appearances in the Bond franchise, the lake, its stunning scenery and picturesque waterside towns of Como and Bellagio have become so popular, they are now swamped by up to 1.4 million visitors a year.
Revolutions begin with concrete measures and we are ready for this long journey.
Alessandro Rapinese, Mayor of Como
Como’s Mayor, Alessandro Rapinese, however now says enough is enough. “Fighting tourism” makes it difficult to be Mayor, he said, speaking to The Times, adding that “revolutions begin with concrete measures and we are ready for this long journey.”
He is considering proposals for a charge applying to daytrippers to Como, similar in spirit to the entry fee Venice has recently introduced. Venice is now set to charge five euros a day “contribution” to non-residential visitors to the city, though some there are not convinced the fee addresses the core of Venice’s housing and social problems.
While few further details have been supplied by Como’s authorities, it is possible the charge could initially be trialled during very busy seasons and public holidays only.
Threat to heritage and to reputation
Some attractions in the area have already taken matters into their own hands. Villa del Balbianello, an 18th century mansion with gardens overlooking the Lake Como, made famous by appearances in films, has previously welcomed up to 2,000 visitors a day. It has however now capped now daily entries at 1,200, in a “drastic decision” to safeguard the house’s future, against “an excess of tourism that has an ever greater impact on Lake Como”.
And it is not only heritage buildings that are impacted by the influx of people. The area’s identity and offering of beautifully surroundings and an exclusive feel are at stake. Too much tourism risks altering the visitor experience and the reputation of the Lake. In the words of one visitor on X, “I visited Lake Como last year and said I would never go back. Standards had dropped. Restaurants were disappointing in quality and price. Too many people to enjoy anything about the resort.”
