A PRETTY European city loved by Brits is being “crushed” by overtourism, local experts have warned.
Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance art including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, has seen tourism numbers soar in recent years.
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In 2019, Florence had more than 15million overnight tourists visits, with it predicted to exceed this level post-pandemic.
And British Airways launched new daily flights between London Heathrow and the city last year, making it an even more popular destination.
However, it is feared that the soaring number of tourists – which vastly outweigh the 708,000 locals – could destroy the daily life of the city.
Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia which is home to Michelangelo’s statue of David, told local media: “Florence is very beautiful and I would like it to return to its citizens and not be crushed by tourism.”
Slamming the number of souvenir shops in comparison to normal shops, she always warned that it is “already too late” unless there is an immediate solution to reduce tourist numbers.
She added: “I do not see any more hope”.
Ms Hollberg was later forced to apologise after also comparing the city to a “prostitute” saying that she meant Florence must see “conscious tourism, not hit-and-run tourism”.
And former president of Florence’s Museo Marino Marini said “the horse has already bolted” and that measures should have been brought in a long time ago.
Restrictions are starting to be introduced, however, such as a ban on new short term holiday lets in the city centre.
The city’s mayor Dario Nardella said at the time: “We are looking at a steady growth in tourist numbers which has become even more significant since the pandemic, testing the city to its limits.”
And the city increased it’s tourist tax last year, making it the most expensive in Italy.
Two years ago, a project called Uffizi Diffusi” (Widespread Uffizi) was also launched, which moved from the attractions from the famous Uffizi Museum to other smaller towns to encourage tourists to explore elsewhere.
Ms Hollberg said at the time: “The growing number of tourists would have much less of an impact if they were not concentrated in a few areas.
“There is a great deal to see and enjoy in Italy.”
It’s not the only Italian city warning of new measures to reduce tourism.
Venice has long suffered from overtourism, with new rules being introduced this year in an attempt to curb them.
Day trippers will be charged €5 to visit the city centre, with daily tickets being capped.
And large cruise ships were banned back in 2021.
Also popular is the Amalfi Coast, which introduced new rules back in 2022 restricting tourists.
Cars with license plates ending in odd-numbers can only visit on odd-number dates, with the same for even-number license plates for even-number days.
Here are the holiday destinations to avoid this year, according to travel experts.
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