Florence Approves Plan to Combat Overtourism

Florence has introduced a 10-point plan to combat overtourism, coinciding with the G7 tourism summit in the city. The measures include banning key boxes, which facilitate short-term rentals and have sparked local protests, and restricting the use of loudspeakers by tour guides. The city council noted that the influx of tourism has become unsustainable, compromising the heritage and livability of its historic center. In 2023, Italy recorded 134 million tourists, with Florence alone welcoming nearly 9 million visitors, raising concerns among residents about the impact of tourism on their community. Despite these challenges, Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche advocates for an increase of up to 50 million visitors annually, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism growth. The situation reflects a broader tension between tourism's economic benefits and its effects on local populations and environments.