Ferragosto, celebrated yearly on 15 August, marks the height of the summer season in Italy, with many businesses shutting down and people heading to popular vacation spots. This year, however, the surge in domestic and international tourists has created a national nightmare in various regions. Many Italians have expressed frustration, calling for stricter tourism regulation conditions during what for many is a long awaited break.
Venice has trialled a €5 day tripper charge this year, with the fee set to raise during the most popular days next year, and limited tourist groups maximum 25 people. The Amalfi coast introduced a filtering car system in 2022 to mitigate traffic congestion. And now, the overwhelming influx of visitors during the Ferragosto week has prompted new measures to handle the swell.
Rome residents may have bailed out for the #Ferragosto holiday but the centre is packed with tourists. Here is the Trevi Fountain at midday today. pic.twitter.com/lyXszl2MPl
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) August 13, 2022
Now, more destinations are taking action. Popular places for active holidays such as hiking in the mountainous region of Trentino have adopted the monitoring and even closing of popular trail routes when oversaturated with visitors. In major cities such as Rome and Florence, temporary traffic lights have been laid in pedestrian dense traffic areas to reduce blockages on the roads.
In Sardinia, fines of €500 started being imposed at several beaches for anyone using rocks to anchor beach umbrellas. Swimming at night, beach camping, bonfire and late-night music have also been banned in various communities across the island, while beachgoers have to reserve their spots on the sand through an app. Meanwhile, the island of Capri doubled its its usual landing fee on the busiest days.
Latest #Venice Ferragosto headline. We're full. 80k tourists in a place where the resident population just fell below. 50k. Unsustainable. pic.twitter.com/xa6BxFgpv8
— David Hewson (@david_hewson) August 14, 2022
Despite locals’ frustration, authorities are trying to reassure the public that they will adapt to the sudden expansion in travel. Although not agreeing with the term “overtourism”, calling it a “blasphemy”, Italy’s tourism minister Daniele Santache told La Nazione newspaper that “the problem is managing and governing [tourism] as we have started to do since we have been in government. We are also preparing the ground for future challenges, from Milan-Cortina [2026 Winter Olympics] to the Jubilee [a 2025 religious festival in Rome] which will be an opportunity to make lesser-known realities known, build diversified tourist offers and enhance our wonderful villages.”
The Ferragosto experience serves as a stark reminder of a new normal setting in for travel, emphasising the need for a delicate balance between sustainable levels of tourism while preserving a quality experience for all.
