A tiny fishing village in Italy has launched new anti-tourist measures with €275 fines for loitering in selfie hotspots in an attempt to put an end to ‘anarchic chaos’.
The mayor of Portofino has introduced a no-loitering rule in two ‘red zones’ where visitors often take photographs and tourism groups crowd together, The Times reported.
The no-waiting zones were put into effect amid the Easter break tourism boom that saw about 1.7 million holidaymakers visiting Italian city centres, a 12 per cent increase from last year.
The ban is the latest in a string of rulings seemingly aimed at freezing out tourists – and in particular, Britons.
Destinations across Europe have measures in place to discourage tourists, including Portofino, Italy which recently launched two ‘red zones’ where police can €275 fines to anyone who is loitering in selfie hotspots
Portofino’s newly instated no-waiting zone bans are active daily from morning time until 6pm. The bans will remain in effect through October 15. Pictured: Stock image of Portofino town and port with boats
Both Steven Spielberg (pictured on left in 2016) and Rhianna (pictured on right in 2012) are known to have taken holidays to Portofino, Italy
Portofino’s newly instated no-waiting zone bans are active daily from morning time until 6pm. The bans will remain in effect through October 15.
Mayor Matteo Viacava insists the ban is not aimed at making the city ‘more exclusive’ but instead to ‘allow everyone to enjoy our beauty’ and ‘avoid dangerous situations caused by overcrowding.’
He said the crowds of loitering tourists prevent access for emergency services which could be very dangerous.
The tiny fishing village, which has a population of 369, is known for its seafood, luxurious boutiques and pastel-coloured homes.
The village has reportedly been popular with celebrities. Both Steven Spielberg and Rhianna have been photographed holidaying in the yacht town.
But Mr Viacava claims there will not be favouritism towards stars when issuing loitering fines.
‘Portofino isn’t anyone’s property, it belongs to everyone,’ he said. ‘Everyone must respect it.’
MailOnline has approached the mayor’s office for comment.
Mayor Matteo Viacava insists the ban is not aimed at making the city ‘more exclusive’ but instead to ‘allow everyone to enjoy our beauty’ and ‘avoid dangerous situations caused by overcrowding’. Pictured: Church of San Giorgio in Portofino, Italy
Rihanna is seen in a bikini on a boat in Portofino, Italy in July 2012. The yacht town is a popular destination amongst celebrities, but Mr Viacava claims there will not be favouritism towards stars when issuing loitering fines
Steven Spielberg is seen boating on July 9, 2016 in Portofino, Italy
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, this year announced a €3 to €10 entrance fee for all day visitors ages six and older. Pictured: The old town of Venice at night
Snowdonia National Park in Wales is limiting the number of people who can enter the park
PLACES WELCOMING TOURISTS WITH OPEN ARMS
Taiwan
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau is offering travellers 5,000 New Taiwan dollars (about £132) to visit, CNBC reported.
The government is issuing visitors tourist cards that can be used on food, accommodation, and other travel expenses in a bid to improve the economy.
Hong Kong
City leaders in Hong Kong are giving away 500,000 plane tickets this year.
The give away began last month and will last six months, according to the airport.
The giveaway is a bid to help boost the economy after Covid isolation.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Officials in Friuli-Venezia Giulia will reimburse tourists’ transportation costs, according to CNBC.
The be eligible for reimbursement, visitors must come into the region in by train from anywhere in Italy.
The region is known for its ski resorts.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has launched an extended remote-working visa programme to try and bring visitors to the islands after the pandemic.
The two-year visa costs £1,235 for a single applicant and £1,645 per couple.
Botswana
Botswana suffered greatly during lockdown because of on-off border restrictions, Time Out reported.
The South African nation is now seeking more tourism to help flourish its economy.
Fiji
Fiji, like Botswana, saw few tourists during the pandemic and is inviting holidaymakers to come lounge on the beach, swim, snorkel or Scuba dive.
Madeira
The island, located off the coast of Portugal, also lacked tourists due to lockdown restrictions.
Travellers are now encouraged to come participate outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, kayaking, swimming and Scuba diving.
Mauritius
Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, wants travellers to come explore its ‘culture-packed capital’ of Port Louis, as well as relax on its beaches.
Several European cities have taken measures to discourage tourism and the alleged negative behaviours associated with it.
Tourist chiefs in Amsterdam warned British men to ‘stay away’ as part of a major new operation to clean up the city and rid it of rowdy and hedonistic behaviour.
The new campaign features a staged video showing a young man being arrested after he was found stumbling along the city’s streets.
The video features large red and white writing saying: ‘Coming to Amsterdam for a messy night and getting trashed = €140 fine and a criminal record.’
It then shows the police officers taking the tourist to a prison cell and making him kneel down in front of a bed in a bizarre scene.
The footage is overlaid with red writing which reads: ‘So coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay away.’
Despite the campaign deliberately targeting young men from the UK, Dutch sex workers have come out in support of male British tourists.
Hundreds held a protest against the campaign in support of Brits – saying that they are not associated with bad behaviour any more than any other nationality – and attacking the campaign as an attempt to gentrify the heart of the Dutch capital.
Similarly, Lanzarote President Dolores Corujo last month claimed the island was being saturated by British tourists and instead wanted to accommodate more ‘higher quality’ travellers from mainland Europe.
Ms Corujo claimed the island would pursue ‘a diversification strategy to reduce dependence on the British market.’
But her remarks were met with backlash, including from the Tourist Federation of Lanzarote (FTL) which reiterated the island has ‘very strong ties’ with British tourists and will continue to be ‘absolutely hospitable’ towards them.
The tourism body called on Ms Corujo to ‘clarify the situation’ and meet with representatives from the UK market to reiterate that ‘our Island is open to the reception of visitors from any part of the world.’
The mayor of Siurana, a village in Catalonia, Spain, last year declined for the city the be featured in annual list of the country’s prettiest villages. Siurana’s two car parks also have a total capacity of 200.
Like Mr Viacava said of Portofino, Mayor Salvador Salvadó declared ‘overcrowding’ a problem in Siurana and told The Times he wanted ‘the town not to become crowded and for the people who arrive in Siurana to leave happy.’
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, this year announced a €3 to €10 entrance fee for all day visitors ages six and older.
Alhambra in Granada is also now requiring entrance fees – ranging from £3, £7 or £9 – and requires reservations for visitors.
Dutch tourist chiefs last month launched a controversial advert discouraging nuisance behaviour from boozy stag parties of young men from the UK
Similarly, Lanzarote’s President said she wants to diversify the island’s tourist economy and reduce reliance on British visitors
The Spanish island of Mallorca has moved to limit hotel beds to 430,000 in attempt to have ‘tourism of greater value and less volume’. Pictured: People enjoy the sunny weather on Illetes beach, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, Spain last week
The Spanish island of Mallorca has moved to limit hotel beds to 430,000 in attempt to have ‘tourism of greater value and less volume’.
The national parks across the region have also placed restrictions on visitors.
The Parc National des Calanques in Calanque de Sugiton, France now requires a booking to enter.
Snowdonia National Park in Wales and the Giant’s Causeway, on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, are also limiting the number of people who can enter the parks.
WHERE TOURISTS HAVE BEEN TOLD TO STAY AWAY
Portofino, Italy
The mayor of Portofino has introduced a no-loitering rule in two ‘red zones’ where visitors often take photographs and tourism groups crowd together.
The no-waiting zone bans are active daily from morning time until 6pm. The bans will remain in effect through October 15.
Those caught violating the ban face a €275 fine.
Lanzarote, Canary islands
Lanzarote President Dolores Corujo has claimed the island was being saturated by British tourists.
She said the island instead wants to accommodate more ‘higher quality’ travellers from mainland Europe.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dutch tourist chiefs launched a new campaign warning British men to ‘stay away’ as part of a major new operation to clean up the city’s red light district.
Officials warned that those who come to Amsterdam for a ‘messy night and getting trashed’ will be hit with a €140 fine and a criminal record
Siurana, Catalonia
Mayor Salvador Salvadó declared ‘overcrowding’ a problem in Siurana last year and declined to have the village featured in a tourism magazine.
Siurana limits its car park to 200 vehicles, which Mr Salvadó estimates allows for about 400 visitors to the area.
He said he wants ‘the town not to become crowded and for the people who arrive in Siurana to leave happy.’
Venice, Italy
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, this year announced a €3 to €10 entrance fee for all day visitors ages six and older.
Alhambra, Granada
Alhambra in Granada is also now requiring entrance fees – ranging from £3, £7 or £9 – and requires reservations for visitors.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca has moved to limit hotel beds to 430,000 in attempt to have ‘tourism of greater value and less volume’.
Calanque de Sugiton, France
The Parc National des Calanques in Calanque de Sugiton, France now requires an online booking for entrance.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Saces at the Pen-y-Pass car park, the closest to Snowdonia National Park, must now be pre-booked.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Tourism managers at the Giant’s Causeway, on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, have also cut the number of visitors welcomed at the park.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
