The Florentine lineage originating from Tuscany implements measures to control over mass tourism. According to the statement of the lineage council, the use of sound amplifiers is currently prohibited for tourist guides. These actions aim to make Tuscany a "living and unique heritage" for both visitors and residents.
According to the statement from the Florence administration, restrictions have been implemented due to mass tourism, which has become unsustainable for permanent residents. Similarly, in Rome, access to the Trevi Fountain has been limited after the completion of renovation work in December, as noted by the city mayor in information shared with CNN.
Like many places in Italy and other countries, Florence has faced a sharp increase in the number of tourists in recent years, which has provoked a strong reaction from local residents. This week, when the lineage is set to meet with tourism ministers from seven of the most developed countries in the world, the authorities approved a 10-point plan to address the issue, presented by Mayor Dario Nardella.
"Recently, attackers were targeted by tour guides using encrypted sound systems, utilized by owners of rental properties to facilitate the registration of incoming guests. They will be limited to a historic center included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. In recent times, these sound systems have become an object of vandalism; local residents with applied red isolation tape close them. Limitations will be established on the use of "non-traditional means of transport," such as, for example, golf carts, which are increasingly used by tourist guides to move around the territory in areas with limited vehicle access.
Florence, a historic Italian city, is taking steps to curb mass tourism, including limits on the use of sound systems by tour guides with rental property owners for short-term rentals and sound amplifiers used by tourist guides, due to complaints of unsustainable situations due to the increase in visitors, according to CNN.
Florence, famous for its impressive architecture, has long been popular with travelers. According to the lineage administration, more than 7.8 million people visited Florence in the first nine months of 2024. The city administration noted: "The lineage can no longer support the mass influx of tourists during the high season of tourism activities and transport for exclusive tourist use, concentrated in 5 square kilometers (approximately 2 square miles) without preserving historical values and the ability to live in the community".
Florence has become the last point of designation, which introduced limits on group tourism. Last week, the ancient archaeological complex in Pompeii announced limits of 20,000 visitors per day. Venice also announced that in 2025 it will reintroduce an entrance fee during the peak tourist season.