Italy’s tourism — often called its “petrol” — could turn from boon to bane without limits. In April 2023, 16 million Italians flocked to domestic spots during Easter holidays, spurred by post-pandemic freedom, economic pressures curbing foreign trips, and rising low-cost flight prices. This surge highlighted “overtourism” in beaches, mountains, villages, and art cities.
In these times of ecological crisis, a change of perspective is also necessary for tourism, starting with a new way of conceiving it. This cannot be that of “sustainable tourism,” a rhetoric behind which representatives of the political-financial powers linked to this sector have taken refuge, no longer able to hide the catastrophic drift of mass tourism.
An analysis for Il Mulino, an authoritative Italian magazine of culture and politics.
(in italian)
Too much tourism
Italy’s tourism — often called its “petrol” — could turn from boon to bane without limits. In April 2023, 16 million Italians flocked to domestic spots during Easter holidays, spurred by post-pandemic freedom, economic pressures curbing foreign trips, and rising low-cost flight prices. This surge highlighted “overtourism” in beaches, mountains, villages, and art cities.
In these times of ecological crisis, a change of perspective is also necessary for tourism, starting with a new way of conceiving it. This cannot be that of “sustainable tourism,” a rhetoric behind which representatives of the political-financial powers linked to this sector have taken refuge, no longer able to hide the catastrophic drift of mass tourism.
An analysis for Il Mulino, an authoritative Italian magazine of culture and politics.
(in italian)
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