Another tourist hotspot in Italy just announced plans to limit tourists

Florence, Italy, is implementing a 10-point plan to address overtourism in its historic center. The plan includes bans on lockboxes, golf carts, rickshaws, and tour guide loudspeakers to protect the city's aesthetic, safety, and livability for res...

By ET Online | Nov 16, 2024, 08.50 AM IST

Florence, Italy, is the latest city to announce plans to curb overtourism. The Tuscan city has announced a comprehensive 10-point plan aimed at mitigating the challenges of over-tourism in its UNESCO-listed historic center. The proposal, unveiled during a Group of Seven (G7) tourism officials meeting, underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices to balance the interests of residents and visitors.

The initiative includes bans on lockboxes outside short-term accommodations, golf carts, rickshaws, and loudspeakers used by tour guides. These measures target aesthetic, safety, and noise concerns in the densely visited 5-square-kilometer area that sees 95% of the city’s tourist activity. Authorities also plan to enhance data sharing, policy coordination, and community consultation on tourism-related issues.

“We care that Florence can be attractive but, above all, livable for residents. Our primary objective is to ensure that our city can maintain its roots, its nature, and its identity,” Florence Mayor Sara Funaro said.

Over-Tourism: A Growing Concern
Florence, home to about 367,000 residents, hosted nearly 9 million overnight visitors in 2023, with numbers climbing further in 2024. The influx has led to increased tensions, particularly in the historic center, where coexistence between residents and tourists has become strained.

While some measures, such as sustainable tourism campaigns, are already underway, bans on lockboxes and other items require further approvals. Officials expect these changes to take effect by early 2025.

These popular destinations are fed up of tourists, and are taking steps to keep them in check

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In recent years, over-tourism has become a growing concern for many popular travel destinations worldwide. Cities and regions traditionally known for attracting millions of visitors each year are now taking proactive measures to curb the negative impacts of overwhelming tourism.

Here's a look at some destinations that are fed up with excessive tourists and the steps they are taking to manage the influx.