Wish you weren't here: the cities tackling overtourism

From banning cruise ships to hiking day-trip taxes, how top destinations are seeking to keep their streets sane for locals

- RACHEL CLUN

In Florence’s historic Piazza della Signoria, with the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David peering over them, dozens of golf carts gathered this week in protest.

Their drivers are furious at new laws which will ban not only them, but all other novelty transport including rickshaws, from the city’s historic centre. The move, which could be in place by September, is part of the city council’s bid to reduce congestion, according to Corriere Firenze.

“This is one of the most important measures in our 10-point plan for sustainable tourism,” councillor for economic development and tourism Jacopo Vicini told the newspaper.

Florence is not alone in resorting to drastic measures to try and cut the number of visitors to its overcrowded streets. Venice – which has outlawed cruise ships for several years – has doubled its daily tourist tax to try and dissuade the spontaneous day-tripper. Cannes, on the French Riviera, has recently issued a decree banning ships of more than 1,000 people from mooring in the city.

Simone Venturini, deputy mayor of Venice, said that after decades of debate, the city – and other iconic city break destinations – had felt forced to take serious action to manage tourist flows.

“Venice is a city as beautiful as it is fragile,” he said. “No one has a magic wand. Neither Venice nor other European cities grappling with the consequences of overtourism have one. Each place is considering its own approach.”

In many cities, residents have taken matters into their own hands. Last month, thousands gathered in major tourist destinations across southern Europe to protest against overtourism.