TikTok Star and Budget Deals Spark Overtourism Debate in Italian Ski Resort

Roccaraso Overwhelmed by Influx of Tourists

The mayor of Roccaraso, a popular Italian ski resort, is taking action after the town was flooded with over 10,000 day-trippers from Naples and the surrounding Campania region. The influx, triggered by a TikTok star and cheap travel deals, caused major traffic congestion and overcrowding on the slopes.

The sudden arrival of 260 buses on Sunday overwhelmed the town, leaving residents frustrated with the crowds and the litter they left behind. Many of the visitors were influenced by a Naples-born TikToker, Rita De Crescenzo, who posted videos and photos of the resort to her 1.7 million followers. Travel agencies also offered enticing deals, with some buses leaving as early as 6am for the two-hour trip and costing only €20-€30, including breakfast.

Mayor Francesco Di Donato acknowledged that Roccaraso has experienced busy days in the past, but nothing like the overwhelming influx witnessed on Sunday. To address the issue, he has limited the number of tourist buses allowed into the town on Saturdays and Sundays to 100, with mandatory online pre-booking.

Di Donato emphasized that the restrictions are not discriminatory towards Neapolitans, but rather a necessary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors. He pointed out that Roccaraso simply lacks the infrastructure to accommodate such a large number of people, especially considering the limited number of available toilets.

Despite the mayor's efforts, De Crescenzo has vowed to return to the resort this Sunday with even more people. She maintains that she simply shared her positive experience at Roccaraso and cannot be held responsible for the actions of others.

This incident highlights the growing impact of social media influencers on tourism, even in lesser-known destinations like Roccaraso. It also raises concerns about the potential for overtourism, particularly in areas that lack the infrastructure to handle large crowds. As the debate over overtourism continues, it is crucial to find ways to manage visitor flows and ensure that tourism benefits both local communities and the environment.