Ancient city battles tourist overload by cutting visitor numbers at famous landmark
One of the most famous ancient cities in the world is set to make a big change to the type of tourist it wants to attract, with the director hoping that fewer people will visit
A renowned ancient city is taking controversial steps to limit the influx of tourists at one of Europe's most iconic archaeological sites. Last year, Pompeii—which was engulfed by volcanic ash from the catastrophic Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD—imposed a daily cap of 20,000 visitors and started issuing personalized tickets to manage overcrowding and preserve the UNESCO site.
With the ruins spreading across approximately 440,000 square meters, Pompeii experienced an astounding four million visitors last summer, marking a 33.6% increase from the previous year. Now, the historic Roman city is poised to double down on its conservation strategy by targeting a different demographic of tourists.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii site for the past four years, is particularly keen to see fewer tourists visit Via di Nola—one of the major arterial roads of the old town this year.
Dad made friend dig his own grave and kill himself after uncovering daughter abuse
Bruce Springsteen slams Donald Trump with brutal five-word statement
Zuchtriegel aims to attract travelers interested in more extensive and immersive visits, including spending time in less-explored areas of Pompeii, as opposed to the short-term influx from cruise ship excursions.
Speaking with The Telegraph, he conveyed his philosophy with clarity: "It is better to have someone here staying three days and visiting the other sites than three people coming only for half a day. It's not sustainable."
"This is also my approach in teaching art history: it's better to pause over one thing for three hours than look at 10 paintings at the same time. Because then you understand something that you can apply to everything."
In his latest book, The Buried City: Unearthing the Real Pompeii, Mr Zuchtriegel expresses a desire to shift focus towards rural sites surrounding the bustling city of Pompeii.
Mr Zuchtriegel suggests that by encouraging visitors to explore other sites "around Pompeii it might help people lower the pressure on the site".
In an effort to draw tourists to other ancient locations linked to Pompeii, the city has launched a free shuttle bus service under the Greater Pompeii project, which includes Stabia, Torre Annunziata and Boscoreale sites.
A record-breaking 36,000 tourists flocked to the site on the first Sunday of October, when admission was free. On the first Sunday of each month, entry to Italian museums is complimentary - otherwise, ticket prices start from €18 (£14.90).
DONT MISS
Archaeology breakthrough as 'unreadable' Vesuvius scroll deciphered 2000 years later[LATEST]
Mysterious viking grave with 'Christian signs' unearthed by archaeologists[INSIGHT]
Delta Airlines makes major changes with economy section 'removed'[GUIDE]
