The Italian town of Portofino, located on the Ligurian coast, is known for its picturesque harbor, colorful buildings, and luxurious yachts. It’s a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, particularly during the summer months. However, the town’s popularity has come at a price, and the local authorities have been forced to take drastic measures to deal with the crowds.
In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Portofino has increased significantly, leading to overcrowding and traffic congestion in the narrow streets and alleys of the town. One of the main issues is tourists taking selfies in popular spots, such as the Piazzetta, which causes congestion and delays for other visitors.
To tackle this problem, the town council has introduced a new bylaw that imposes fines on tourists who take selfies in designated no-waiting zones. The fine can be as much as 275 euros, which is a hefty sum, particularly for those on a budget.
The new rule has been met with mixed reactions from both tourists and locals. Some argue that it’s necessary to maintain order and prevent overcrowding, while others see it as an excessive measure that could discourage visitors from coming to Portofino.
However, the local authorities are confident that the new rule will help to keep the town’s streets and alleys clear and ensure that visitors have a pleasant and safe experience. They also hope that it will encourage tourists to explore other parts of the town and discover some of its lesser-known attractions.
In addition to the selfie ban, the town council has also implemented other measures to reduce congestion and improve the overall tourist experience. For example, they have introduced a shuttle bus service to transport visitors from nearby car parks to the town center, and they have created new pedestrian areas and cycle lanes to encourage visitors to explore the town on foot or by bike.
Furthermore, the authorities have launched an awareness campaign to encourage tourists to be respectful of the town’s cultural heritage and to avoid damaging or littering in public spaces. They have also installed new trash bins and increased the frequency of street cleaning to keep the town clean and tidy.
While the new selfie ban may seem extreme to some, it’s important to remember that Portofino is not the only destination that has struggled with overcrowding and overtourism in recent years. Many other popular tourist spots around the world have also had to take measures to deal with the negative impacts of tourism, such as Venice’s ban on cruise ships and Amsterdam’s ban on Airbnb rentals in the city center.
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Overall, the new selfie ban in Portofino is a reminder that tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on local communities, and that it’s important to find a balance that benefits both visitors and locals. By taking measures to reduce congestion and encourage responsible tourism, the town council is taking steps to ensure that Portofino remains a beautiful and welcoming destination for years to come.
