The autonomous region has now introduced curbs on tourist stays to come into force this summer.
A mountainous region of northern Italy has introduced a cap on tourist numbers.
South Tyrol, also known as Alto Adige, is a popular alpine vacation spot. For the German-speaking area, however, visitor numbers have been growing out of control.
The autonomous region has now introduced curbs on tourist stays to come into force this summer.
And it’s not the only Italian destination preparing for an overcrowded season. The colorful town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera will fine loitering tourists $300.
South Tyrol caps tourist numbers
The surge of tourism following the lifting of pandemic travel restrictions has been a lifeline to Italy’s tourist industry, which was roughly 9.1 percent of the country’s GDP in 2021.
But already, some honeypot destinations are feeling the onslaught of visitors.
Destinations that were hotspots before the pandemic are bracing for a return of overwhelming tourist numbers and some are already introducing measures to cope with the situation.
The region of South Tyrol has chosen to limit visitor numbers in a bid to reduce the strain on resources and protect the environment.
The destination will cap the number of overnight stays available to external visitors.
South Tyrol has set the threshold at 34 million overnight stays, corresponding to the maximum number reached before the pandemic.
The area draws millions of tourists annually to its verdant valleys, soaring alpine peaks and cobalt ... [+]
By the end of June, tourist accommodation including hotels, B&Bs and campsites must declare to the authorities how many beds they have available based on 2019 levels.
Municipalities will therefore have a fixed quota of overnight places free for tourists.
New hotel or B&B openings will have to be approved by local councils, which cannot grant permission if they do not have any more places available.
If tourist accommodation closes, the beds become available to be assigned by the municipality to businesses that have filed requests.
Why is Bolzano restricting overnight stays?
The limit on overnight stays was introduced in the northern province because administrators realized tourist numbers could not exceed 2019 levels, South Tyrol’s Tourism Councilor Arnold Schuler explained.
“In addition to crowding in the streets, the increase in accommodation offered on platforms such as Airbnb has become a problem, especially in the larger municipalities because it is difficult for the inhabitants to find houses to rent or buy," he said to Italian newspaper Il Post.
The autonomous region is also concerned about water shortages and sustainability as Italy faces another arid summer.
From 2016 to 2020, the number of Airbnbs quadrupled in the area from 1,100 to just under 4,000.
The area draws millions of tourists annually to its verdant valleys, soaring alpine peaks and cobalt glacial lakes.
In flower-bedecked villages and pastel-hued cities, visitors can have their fill of canederli – bread dumplings served in broth – and try artisan-brewed beer.
