pompeiiThe world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy is taking a proactive step to combat overtourism By limiting the number of daily visitors. From November 15, the park will impose a limit of 20,000 tickets per day, in order to protect the fragile remains of the ancient Roman city.

The decision comes after a record-breaking summer season that saw more than 4 million people visit the ruins of Pompeii. The influx of visitors, while exciting for the local economy, posed a significant threat to the conservation of the site. The increasing foot traffic and potential wear and tear on the fragile structures required a solution to ensure the longevity of the site.

In addition to the daily limit, Pompeii will also introduce a system of individual tickets as well as a “Greater Pompeii” project, which includes free shuttle services to other ancient sites to reduce the burden on the main ruins. You can visit sites like Stabia, Torre Annunziata and Boscoreale. Park officials believe this measure will help create a more controlled and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Overtourism in Europe

Many destinations in Europe are implementing measures to control overtourism. Recently, tourists were sprayed with water guns by Barcelona residents who argue it has come at a cost to the city’s booming tourism industry. In Málaga, residents have launched a sticker campaign urging tourists to leave. The stickers, found on tourist apartments, express frustration at the disruptions to local people’s lives and highlight the lack of affordable housing due to tourism. Similarly, in 2023, San Sebastian, a popular destination in Europe, faced excessive tourist numbers, leading to plans to limit visitors and halt new hotel construction. In Greece, cruise tourism has spoiled the tranquility of Sardinia, while access to the Trevi Fountain in Italy’s capital, Rome, is limited as it struggles with overtourism.

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