The historic Italian city of Florence, renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, is taking bold steps to combat overtourism. Facing complaints from residents about unsustainable visitor numbers, the city has introduced a 10-point plan aimed at preserving its cultural heritage and improving livability.
Key measures include a ban on key boxes used by short-term rental landlords in the UNESCO-listed city center and prohibiting tour guide loudspeakers and amplifiers. These moves come as Florence prepares to host tourism ministers from the G7 nations.
Florence’s council stated that the surge in tourism—7.8 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024—has overwhelmed the city’s capacity to sustain such numbers without compromising its heritage and residents’ quality of life. The restrictions are focused on the city’s compact historic center, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi.
Key boxes, which allow short-term rental landlords to offer seamless check-ins, have become a flashpoint for local frustrations. Many have been vandalized, with residents taping them shut in protest. Limits will also be placed on atypical vehicles, such as golf carts, increasingly used by tour guides in restricted traffic zones.
Florence has seen its share of inappropriate tourist behavior, from vandalism to disrespectful actions, such as a recent incident involving a tourist filmed mocking a statue of Bacchus. Earlier this year, Cecilie Hollberg, head of the Galleria dell’Accademia museum, described Florence as a “prostitute” to overtourism, lamenting the city’s loss of authenticity.
The new measures aim to transform Florence into a “living and unique city” for residents and visitors alike, according to Mayor Sarah Funaro. However, the city isn’t alone in tackling mass tourism. Pompeii recently capped daily visitors at 20,000, Venice plans to reintroduce entrance fees during peak times in 2025, and Rome is limiting access to the Trevi Fountain after renovations.
Italy’s Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè has taken a different stance, arguing for an increase in tourism numbers rather than curbing them. Speaking at a recent summit, she criticized mismanagement and called for a return to traditional commerce in historic centers to attract higher-quality tourism.
While Florence’s new rules may not completely solve the overtourism issue, they represent a significant step toward balancing the needs of the city’s heritage, residents, and visitors.
Hi to everry body, it’s my irst go too see
of this website; this webpage includes remarkable and trly excellet information designmed for
readers.
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!
Some really good information, Glad I detected this.
I genuinely value your piece of work, Great post.
hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this site, as I experienced to reload the website a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you
You have brought up a very good points, appreciate it for the post.
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not seem to get something done.
Great post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I was looking for this information for my mission.
I am not rattling excellent with English but I get hold this real easy to understand.