Italy’s most famous destinations are bracing themselves for unprecedented numbers of tourists this summer.
Many foreign visitors are seeking the safety they perceive Italy offers coupled with expectations that more Italians will opt to holiday at home this year.
Tourist authorities believe that more Brits and Germans will chose Italy while avoiding Turkey, Tunisia and France.
The historic centre of Florence, the Grand Canal in Venice, the Coliseum in Rome, the picturesque world heritage Cinque Terre and many other fabled spots are already overcrowded with tourists all year round. Cinque Terre has acted to limit visitors to a mere 1.5 million this year, a move designed to preserve its heritage and let residents conduct their business.
Cruise ships disgorging thousands at a time have added to the weight. The local economy often sees little gain from these visitors who usually stay just a few hours and then return onboard to eat and sleep.
Last week Unesco threatened to put Venice on its list of endangered heritage sites unless giant cruise liners are banned by next year.
Officials are trying to devise ways to increase tourist spending, as they need funds to preserve the often fragile cities and monuments and to make tourism sustainable.
Florence has increased the taxes on tour bus operators to help raise revenue for upkeep while tourism offices are trying to point tourists to other lesser-known destinations. The board’s director has said that “Italy is a small country with a huge amount of cultural and historic heritage”.
“The government is studying a strategic plan for tourism with the aim of reducing the overcrowding of the most popular places and offering alternative destinations,” Dorina Bianchi, deputy minister at the cultural heritage department, told La Stampa newspaper.
Another initiative is to issue warnings on holiday booking sites about the most popular destinations being too crowded, and filled with pickpockets, to enjoy. Tourism officials say that about 80% of visitors to Italy book their trips through the internet.
