While tourists can be a good thing for business, they can also cause more harm than good. In our new digital era, with picture-perfect images flooding our social media accounts, it has only gotten worse. Now people from across the globe are flocking to popular travel spots, trying to get the perfect selfie in front of desirable locations. Unfortunatley, this has resulted in an influx of tourists, and often their bad behaviors. As a result, certain popular travel spots have fought back with increased fines.
Major International Cities Are Increasing Fines Due To Tourists And Bad Behavior
Getty Image
One of the most beloved countries by tourists is Italy. With various stunning cities and a plethora of activities and cuisine, it is no wonder the country has seen an influx of tourists. Unfortunately, with increased tourists comes an increase in bad behavior. As a result, many cities are fighting back.
The NY Post shares that "several cities, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples, have implemented tourist taxes and day-visit fees." In certain cities, tourists need to pay a "tourist tax" when staying overnight at a location. Additionally, the outlet shared that "Rome has increased fees in recent years around its historical monuments." If you wind up lounging or loitering too close, you could be hit with a major fine.
Similarly, Venice has implemented an "access fee to the historic city center for day visitors aged 14 or older to discourage crowding." So as you can see, increased tourists and their bad behaviors come at a price...literally.
It Is Not Ony Italy Fighting Back
Although many cities in Italy are fighting back against overtourism, they are not the only ones. The outlet shared that many other popular travel spots have also increased their fines and responses to overtourism. It appears that many of these fines relate to activities or behaviors that would be deemed bad or inappropriate.
For example, the BBC shared that "Cannes, France; Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Split, Croatia; Sorrento, Italy; and Albufeira, Portugal, have all implemented fines up to ?1,500 ($1,738) against tourists who wear swimsuits in the city and haven't covered up."
Additionally, countries like France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain are cracking down on flip-flops and driving. If you are pulled over and caught wearing flip-flops while operating a rental car, you may be faced with a hefty fine as well, due to the belief that it is unsafe. Even popular party destinations such as Ibiza and Mallorca are becoming stricter.
If you are caught being uncivil or unruly, you will also be hit with an increased tourist fine, and honestly, I don't blame them. Tourism is great and can help local economies. Every country deserves respect, and unfortunately, many people forget that.
Being on vacation and free of stress does not mean you need to be free of decency.
