Another Italian tourist site is stepping up to combat over-tourism, as the Pompeii archaeological park has announced plans to limit daily visitors to 20,000, starting next week. This move aims to protect the ancient ruins from the impact of excessive foot traffic and preserve the world heritage site for future generations.
This decision stems from record-breaking visitor numbers during the recent summer, when over 4 million people flocked to the site, which remains famously buried under ash and rock since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. The park's director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, noted, "We are working on a series of projects to lift the human pressure on the site, which could pose risks both for visitors and the heritage (that is) so unique and fragile."
Starting November 15, the park will introduce personalized tickets, requiring visitors to provide their full names. Each day, only 20,000 tickets will be made available, spaced out across different time slots, particularly during peak summer months. The idea is to more effectively manage foot traffic and safety concerns, making sure visitors can enjoy the wonder of Pompeii without overwhelming this historically significant landmark.
Zuchtriegel emphasized the commitment to promoting slow and sustainable tourism. He stated, "We are aiming for slow, sustainable, pleasant and non-mass tourism and above all widespread throughout the territory around the UNESCO site, which is full of cultural jewels to discover." This approach includes enticing tourists to explore surrounding sites connected to Pompeii through free shuttle services, part of the “Greater Pompeii” initiative, which encompasses locations like Stabia, Torre Annunziata, and Boscoreale.
It’s worth noting, the rise of post-pandemic travel has seen significant increases in the number of visitors at various famous tourist hotspots. This resurgence has often led to concerns about the negative impacts of mass tourism, including disruptions to local communities, environmental degradation, and transportation issues.
The efforts taken at Pompeii echo actions being implemented at other tourist-heavy locations across Italy. For example, Venice recently warned of impending “irreversible damage” due to its massive annual number of visitors—approximately 30 million—and has adopted measures like the introduction of a day-trip entry fee and restrictions on large tour groups. Similar initiatives are underway at other prominent Italian sites, showing how the country is grappling with the challenge of balancing tourism with preservation.
Meanwhile, as Pompeii prepares for its new rules, visitors and locals alike are hopeful these measures will allow everyone to appreciate the ancient city's unique cultural offerings without the detrimental effects of over-tourism. The changes reflect broader sentiments within the tourism sector, calling for more responsible and sustainable practices as towns and cities strive to maintain their historic integrity.
