Italian city launches angry backlash against tourists – ‘This is no go!’ | Travel News | Travel
Residents of an iconic Italian city have blamed tourists for housing problems, economic woes and the transformation of historic streets. They claim that recent overtourism has replaced traditional greengrocers and blacksmiths with carbon copy restaurants.
Famous for its pizza and ancient architecture, Naples has experienced an increase in tourism in recent years. It became the third most visited city in Italy with more than 14 million tourists in 2024. Research shows that most visitors come from elsewhere in Europe, America, Australia and Korea. They tend to stay four or five nights, providing support to private tour companies, taxi services and accommodation firms.
However, reportedly TelegramThere is a growing backlash against increased tourism in Naples. Cruise ships also bring pollution to the city, while some landlords kick out tenants to convert their apartments into rental properties.
“The process of Disneyfication continues,” said Anna Fava, an expert on overtourism in Naples. He added: “The historic center is being turned into a theme park.”
Livia Coletta lived in Naples all her life. The 79-year-old said: “The historical center is effectively a no-go zone for us Neapolitans, it is too crowded.
“Most tourists don’t come to admire the art and architecture of Naples. They drink spritz, eat pizza, take a few photos and then leave.”
The historic 16th-century Spanish Quarter, covered with murals of Naples and Argentina icon Diego Maradona, is now covered in football jerseys, scarves and stickers. Stores sell many products such as caps, lighters, mugs and energy drinks.
But Ms. Fava said it was “fake” and added that murals were not a Neapolitan tradition. He explained that although the people of Naples “love Maradona”, the neighborhood has been completely transformed into a pilgrimage site for visitors.
It is stated that rent prices in the center of Naples have increased by 40 percent in the last 10 years. Campaigners are now calling on authorities to take action.
Ms Fava called for a limit on the number of Airbnbs because it is a “free for everyone in Naples”.
“Tourism is killing Naples,” said sociologist and activist Francesco Calicchia, who lives in the city. He added that “the historical center has disappeared” and is “gone”.
A recent Ipsos poll found that 46% of people in Naples see overtourism as a problem for the city. Meanwhile, 58 percent want stricter regulations in property laws.
