Italy is suffering from a new and disturbing ailment: the Instagram-ization of travel. Last year this global phenomenon was aided and abetted by the White Lotus television series which was set in Portofino. The little town’s popularity soared to such levels that the mayor had to pass a law fining tourists up to $303 for "lingering" to take selfies at some of the best Instagram spots.
As destinations scrambled to cope with crowds that threatened to engulf them, Italy hit a new record of 445 million visitors, and new regulations were introduced to combat overtourism, which is increasingly Instagram-driven. On the little islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, located between Sicily and North Africa, and on Procida in the Gulf of Naples, private tourist vehicles were banned.
In an earlier editorial we commented on how Venice - which last year attracted a staggering 68 million visitors – is introducing a day-tripper entrance fee and banning groups of over 25. Sardinia too took stern measures last summer, limiting numbers on some of its most gorgeous beaches by forcing holidaymakers to make reservations. And - horror of horrors - making them pay in advance for their place in the sun.
Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor
