Articles tagged “italy”

It’s too early to say how much extreme heat will disrupt early summer travel in the region, but the season has kicked off with a stark reminder: It is now part of the holiday landscape in southern Europe.

On today’s pod we look at Italy’s push to expand tourists’ bucket lists, Trump’s student social media interrogations, and Ritz-Carlton’s latest yacht.

Protests against overtourism are on the rise, particularly in Southern Europe.

In Italy, key boxes used for self-check-in at short-term rentals symbolize overtourism to some locals. Some vigilantes have been sabotaging them. So officials are promising stronger enforcement of existing regulations to curb excesses.

Lufthansa Group technically remains a minority shareholder in Italy’s national carrier, but it’s already leveraging the benefits of its newly minted 41% stake. 

Jacopo Vicini, a city councilor in Florence, explains that the city needs to take a tough stance on short-term rentals in its historic center. But that's just one part of a 10-point plan to preserve what makes the beautiful city appealing.

After dipping their toes in the waters of tourist management, Venice's officials are now diving in headfirst with entry fees on 54 days next year. Want to do a quick Instagram tour of St. Mark's Square? That'll be €5, grazie mille.

The Trevi Fountain could be the latest world-renowned attraction to limit access to tourists after a summer of overtourism.

Venice has trialed its entry free for day trippers. Armed with data, the city is going to figure out adjustments to make it effective.

Today's podcast looks at Venice's tourist fee, slower growth for hotels, and new markets for vacation rentals.