In the face of overtourism, even the most popular destinations reach a breaking point. For Sirmione, a picturesque village on Lake Garda, this moment arrived during Italy's May Day holiday weekend. The influx of visitors overwhelmed the village, leading to the introduction of "street tutors" to manage the crowds and maintain order.
The village, renowned for its beauty, was caught off guard on May 2nd when a massive crowd attempted to cross its narrow stone bridge, once a drawbridge. This bottleneck created chaos, turning what should have been a pleasant day into a frustrating experience for both tourists and residents.
The congestion caused significant delays, with queues of up to 40 minutes to cross the bridge, a journey that usually takes mere seconds. Images and videos of the chaotic scenes quickly spread on social media, highlighting Sirmione's struggle with overtourism.
The mayor of Sirmione, Luisa Lavelli, responded swiftly to the crisis. While the bridge was eventually decongested, the situation prompted the need for solutions to prevent future incidents. The village attracts a large number of tourists annually, and the May Day holiday saw a significant increase in visitors compared to the previous year.
The administration considered various options but ruled out extreme measures like limiting visitor numbers or implementing an access fee. Instead, they opted for a more personal approach, believing in the importance of "the human touch" for both the village and its visitors.
To address the issue, the historic bridge was reserved for two-lane foot traffic on weekends during the summer. Additionally, a team of street tutors was deployed to manage the flow of people. These tutors, identifiable by their yellow vests with the slogan "Keep calm and enjoy," are responsible for ensuring good behavior, such as preventing loitering and enforcing dress code regulations.
The street tutors, like Claudia Pagani and Alfredo Pasquali, navigate the crowds, gently addressing any issues. They address minor infractions, like sitting on the pavement while eating, and remind people to adhere to the dress code.
The tutors encounter various situations, from providing directions to addressing inappropriate behavior. They emphasize the importance of a friendly approach to achieve positive results. While most visitors are well-behaved, the tutors sometimes face challenges, such as dealing with speeding e-scooter riders.
The effectiveness of the street tutors remains to be seen. Some residents express skepticism, citing the persistent issue of cars dropping off guests at hotels as a major contributor to congestion. Others acknowledge the complexities of overtourism, recognizing the impact of affordable travel on the situation.
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