Pompeii, one of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites, is making moves to tackle the increasing issue of overcrowding. Starting now, this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site will limit daily visitors to a maximum of 20,000, a significant step aimed at preserving both the site and the safety of its guests.
This innovative measure is part of what officials are calling an “experimental” program, necessitating that each visitor purchase a named ticket. During the summer months, these tickets will be allocated into morning and afternoon time slots to better control foot traffic.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the Pompeii archaeological park, conveyed to AFP that the intention behind this initiative is to manage the influx of visitors more effectively, promoting a form of tourism that can be labeled as “sustainable.” He emphasized, “The goal is not to limit access to Pompeii but to enhance and regulate the flow of visitors.” This statement was made during the unveiling of the new plan at this storied location near the picturesque city of Naples in southern Italy.
As it stands, this year is on track to surpass previous records. Between January and October, approximately 3.84 million individuals explored Pompeii, with one particularly busy Sunday seeing over 36,000 visitors—an unsustainable figure, especially for a single day where entrance was free.
Concerns about the well-being of both visitors and staff have prompted this action. Zuchtriegel pointed out that the uniquely preserved buildings of Pompeii—alongside the remains of around 3,000 victims from the catastrophic eruption—demand careful stewardship. He stated, “We aspire to provide every visitor with a high-quality experience. Mass tourism can never be our standard.”
Although capping ticket sales during peak seasons might initially appear problematic for Pompeii’s financial health, Zuchtriegel is confident that the strategy won’t negatively impact revenue. Instead, the hope is that limiting access will encourage visitors to explore other nearby attractions. If tickets for a particular afternoon are sold out, travelers might opt to spend their morning at another nearby site, enhancing the overall tourism experience in the region.
In addition to ticket restrictions, Zuchtriegel mentioned that plans are underway to reopen previously inaccessible alleyways and streets within Pompeii. This expansion of available space for visitors could eventually lead to an increased daily limit beyond the established 20,000. “This is not a move against growth; it’s about promoting sustainable growth that lasts over time,” he declared, reinforcing the park’s commitment to preserving its historical treasures.
From April 1 to October 31, access will be limited to 15,000 visitors between 9 AM and 12 PM. After that window closes, an additional 5,000 will be permitted entry from 12 PM until 5:30 PM, creating a structured visit experience.
This trend of addressing overcrowding isn’t contained to Pompeii alone. Across Italy, various tourist hotspots are implementing measures to manage visitor numbers. For example, Venice recently introduced a €5 charge for day-trippers during peak times, while the breathtaking Cinque Terre area now requires tickets for access to the famed “Via dell’Amore” or “Path of Love.”
These actions highlight the growing recognition of the need for sustainable tourism practices. As Zuchtriegel noted, the intention is to balance the desire for tourism with the responsibility to protect treasured historical locations for future generations. “It’s about creating a legacy that respects the past while allowing us to enjoy its wonders today,” he concluded.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
