Authorities in two of the most visited towns in Cinque Terre, Italy, have decided to radically change the rules for tourists in an attempt to reduce the crowds and noise that have turned the area into a hot spot for mass tourism.
The authorities of Riomaggiore and Vernazza, two of the most visited towns in the Liguria region, have introduced new rules for tourists in an attempt to reduce the impact of mass tourism on the lives of local communities in the Cinque Terre area, included in the UNESCO heritage, according to the republic.
The measures particularly target organized groups, which will no longer be able to exceed 25 people. In the case of groups of up to ten tourists, the guides will be obliged to ensure the use of headphones, to avoid the use of sound amplification systems in narrow public spaces.
The decision comes as local authorities say the new rules are necessary “to protect the peace of the inhabitants”, amid the ever-increasing crowding of the tourist season.
Loudspeakers and megaphones used by guides have also been banned after it was found that the narrow streets amplify noise and affect the comfort of locals.
In Vernazza, the local administration is also preparing a so-called “ipedestrian parking ban”, which would limit the parking of tourists in central areas, especially on stairs and narrow streets. The regulation also includes a detailed map of permitted and restricted areas.
At the same time, the authorities have also previously introduced safety measures, such as banning selfies near rocks and cliffs, after several incidents.
The new rules are part of an effort to manage the heavy tourism in the Cinque Terre and to protect both the natural and architectural heritage and the daily life of the area’s residents.
