As Ponza enjoys a fresh breeze of change, mayor Francesco Ambrosini is guiding the little island toward new standards of sustainability.
Investing in new ferry vessels
Francesco Ambrosini, the mayor of Ponza, is implementing a series of measures designed to guide the island, just off the coast of Lazio, toward new standards of sustainability. “It’s essential to invest in new ferry vessels, the ones currently operating on the Formia-Ponza line are over forty years old.”
Regulating traffic and adding parking for visitors
Another of the mayor’s priorities is to regulate the island’s traffic flows and improve urban sanitation services with the goal of creating a truly “eco-sustainable island.” To extend the tourist season ferry schedules have been adjusted so that even during the low season it is possible to spend a full day on the island. “There are no restrictions on cars arriving here, everyone can drive on Ponza,” the mayor explains, “but certain areas, such as the port, are closed to non-residents, and we need more parking spaces for visitors.”
“We are investing in digital tools to boost visibility”
Ponza, a paradise for sea and nature lovers, has limited resources for tourism promotion, a gap the mayor is working to fill. “Together with regional and state bodies, we are trying to make up for the lack of municipal funding, and we are investing in digital tools to boost visibility.” Arrivals on Ponza rose from 168,000 in 2019 to some 250,000 last year with foreign tourists contributing significantly to the local economy, as the island moves toward being increasingly accessible and environmentally responsible.
