close
close

Mondor Festival

News with a Local Lens

    • Pompeii caps daily visitor numbers at 20,000 amid overtourism concerns
    minsta

    Pompeii caps daily visitor numbers at 20,000 amid overtourism concerns

    Pabio Posted on

    The Pompeii Archaeological Park announced that from November 15 it would limit the number of daily visitors to 20,000 and introduce personalized tickets bearing visitors’ full names. The measure aims to combat overtourism and protect the UNESCO World Heritage site, which has seen unprecedented numbers of visitors this year.

    This decision comes after a record summer during which the park was visited by more than four million people, an increase of 33.6% year-on-year. The daily average reached around 11,200 visitors, with peaks exceeding 36,000 on Sundays with free entry. On some days, especially the first Sundays of the month when entry is free, the influx of tourists has created a huge burden for park workers and for the historical objects themselves.

    Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, expressed his concerns about the sustainability of such a high number of visitors. “We are working on a series of projects to alleviate anthropogenic pressure on the site, which can constitute a risk both for people, for example in the event of an earthquake, and for the heritage, which is so unique and fragile,” he said. he declared. He stressed the importance of reducing human pressure on the ancient site for conservation and security reasons.

    The new regulations will not only limit the number of daily visitors to 20,000, but also personalize tickets with visitors’ full names. “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 gems to discover,” added Zuchtriegel. He further explained: “These changes must be managed in a shared and proactive manner and not passively supported. »

    During peak summer months, the park will implement timed entry slots to spread visitor numbers throughout the day. A maximum of 20,000 tickets will be issued each day, with specific time intervals including a limit of 15,000 visits from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 5,000 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This approach aims to relieve congestion and ensure the safety of visitors while preserving the fragile remains of the site.

    The management also encourages tourists to explore other ancient sites related to Pompeii as part of the “Great Pompeii” project. This includes lesser-known excavations such as Stabia, Torre Annunziata and Boscoreale, which were also affected by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. A free shuttle service has been set up to connect these sites, with the aim of dispersing visitor numbers and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

    Pompeii, located in Campania, Italy, about 23 kilometers southeast of Naples, was one of the most prosperous cities of the ancient Roman Empire before being buried under volcanic ash due to the eruption disaster of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city remained lost. for centuries until its rediscovery. The first excavation work began in 1748 and the site is today one of the best preserved Roman towns in the world, offering significant insight into the lives of its inhabitants and showcasing a city frozen in time.

    Archaeologists are still making discoveries at Pompeii, providing the most complete picture of daily Roman life in the world. Last month, archaeologists revealed an unusually small house with finely preserved frescoes of mythological scenes, including frescoes of mythical Greek figures such as Helen of Troy and Apollo. Visitors to the park can see Pompeii’s preserved streets, houses, public buildings and temples, reinforcing its archaeological importance.

    Park management recognizes the need to balance accessibility and conservation. “Flow management and security measures as well as tour personalization are part of this strategy,” Zuchtriegel said. “Experience shows that only those who focus on quality grow sustainably, and we aim for this, while at the same time trying to help the territory and operators in the sector who work in a context that has profoundly changed after the pandemic and that will change again. »

    The move comes at a time when other tourist destinations are also grappling with overtourism. Venice, for example, implemented a five-euro tax for tourists who visit the city for the day without staying overnight in order to manage the number of visitors. Similar measures have been taken by cities like Barcelona to address the challenges of mass tourism.

    Stay informed with the latest news!

    Subscribe to the Jerusalem Post newsletter

    Entrance to Italian museums, including Pompeii, is free on the first Sunday of each month, which has led to spikes in attendance and concerns over the preservation of the sites. By implementing these measures, the Pompeii Archaeological Park aims to prevent damage caused by excessive tourism and ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors.

    Sources: AP, ABC News, The Straits Times, Dagens Nyheter, EL PAÍS, GMA Network, Wow TV, La Voz del Interior, Munhwa, Tempo, Gazeta.ru, The Guardian, BBC, The Independent, Il Sole 24 Ore, Rossiyskaya Gazette

    This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq



    Pabio
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like