Capri against overtourism, stop to groups of more than 40 people

Capri has always tried to keep its guard up and preserve its originality in the face of overtourism, a mass phenomenon that risks upsetting the balance of the glamorous island known throughout the world. It was here, after all, that the very first ordinances were adopted in the 1950s and 1960s forbidding wandering around the characteristic narrow streets wearing wooden clogs, keeping radios on at high volume and preventing night-time bivouacs and lunches on the lawns. Now, almost in a sort of continuity with the aim of counteracting a wave that at certain times of the year, starting in May and especially in the height of summer, brings up to 50 thousand arrivals and departures per day, with very high concentrations at certain times of the day, comes a new measure: organised tourist groups visiting the island can no longer exceed the number of 40 participants.

The council, led by Mayor Paolo Falco, unanimously approved the new vademecum drawn up in agreement with Tourism Councillor Melania Esposito. The text lays down the rules as follows: in addition to the maximum limit of 40 visitors, groups of more than 20 people are required to wear headphones to listen to the explanations of their tour guide, who must be equipped with a suitable headscarf and not carry umbrellas, scarves or other inconspicuous objects as a substitute. And again, the tour guide must ensure that the group remains compact and safe throughout the route, avoiding occupying the entirety of the available space and dispersing along the roads. The resolution voted unanimously by the city council is aimed in particular at next summer and seeks to establish rules to avoid disorder and chaos, especially at departures and arrivals.

A favourable opinion comes from Ascom Confcommercio Capri, which has 120 members, including owners of shops and boutiques of big names. The association, says president Luciano Bersani, "welcomes the new regulation on groups and tourist guides. It is a first important step, hoping for other concrete initiatives, which should allow a better fruition of Capri at certain times of the day congested by the many daily visitors". OK also from Federalberghi di Capri. "This is an act of responsibility that reflects our vision of an island that is finally more liveable," explains president Lorenzo Coppola, who adds: "The new rules for organised groups are indispensable tools for decongesting critical areas such as Piazza Umberto I and the quays of Marina Grande, giving back the right breathing space to our pedestrian routes. I also consider it a sign of great civility to say goodbye to plastic stickers in favour of eco-sustainable solutions; it is a necessary measure to put an end to the degradation caused by those stickers which, once peeled off, often remain scattered on our streets for months, disfiguring the beauty of the area".