The glamorous Italian holiday island of Capri, renowned for its designer boutiques and celebrity history, has implemented stringent new measures to curb the impact of mass tourism. Located in the Bay of Naples, the island has introduced guidelines that cap tour groups at a maximum of 40 people in a bid to reduce overcrowding and preserve its charm.
Mayor's Concerns Over Tourist Herds
Paolo Falco, the mayor of Capri, expressed his dismay at the current state of tourism, comparing large groups to "herds of sheep" and stating it is "not nice to see." He emphasised the urgency of the situation, declaring, "We need to save beauty; we don't have any other choice." This sentiment underscores the island's commitment to maintaining its aesthetic and cultural integrity amidst growing visitor numbers.
Specific Rules for Tour Guides
In addition to the group size limit, the new regulations mandate that guides leading more than 20 tourists must use wireless earpieces for communication instead of loudspeakers, which have been banned to minimise noise pollution. Guides are also encouraged to wear easily identifiable clothing rather than using umbrellas to lead their groups, aiming for a more discreet and organised approach.
Respect for Local Residents
The rules further require tour groups to be considerate of residents when navigating the island. Mayor Falco outlined specific instructions, such as staying on the right when ascending paths, standing on the left when descending, and avoiding loitering in public squares. He highlighted instances where large groups have "completely prevented locals from passing through," stressing the need for better coexistence between tourists and the community.
Capri's Allure and Natural Wonders
Capri has long been a magnet for A-list visitors, including Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn during their peak years. The island offers fine dining, high-end shopping, and luxury hotels, but it also boasts stunning natural attractions. Among these is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that glows with a deep turquoise hue, often accessed via small wooden boats. During peak summer months, visitors can face wait times of up to two hours to enter this popular site, illustrating the pressures of overtourism.
Future Measures Under Consideration
Mayor Falco revealed that his administration is exploring additional strategies to manage tourism sustainably. This includes potentially signing agreements with other small Italian tourism hotspots to develop collaborative solutions. One proposal under assessment is capping the number of daily ferries arriving on the island. Falco clarified, "We don't want to limit the number of people coming here. We want a more sustainable model where visitors don't find themselves in an infernal nightmare."
The Independent has reached out to the City of Capri and the Municipality of Naples for further comment on these initiatives. As Capri grapples with balancing its economic reliance on tourism with environmental and social concerns, these new rules mark a significant step towards a more controlled and respectful visitor experience.
