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Alarm in paradise: Farmers in South Tyrol defend themselves against crowds of tourists!
South Tyrol is fighting against mass tourism: Farmers are demanding solutions after more and more tourists flood the region.
Alarm in paradise: Farmers in South Tyrol defend themselves against crowds of tourists!
Concern about mass tourism is increasing in South Tyrol. Farmers are sounding the alarm and demanding action to address the negative impacts on their farms and nature. The Farmers' Association state chairman Daniel Gasser says that in certain areas “the measure is full”. This statement reflects the increasing tensions between the needs of tourists and the demands of the local population.
A recent example of farmers' protest is an action on the Seceda: a farmer set up a symbolic turnstile with a payment machine to ask hikers to pay five euros. This measure is a response to the problems caused by mass tourism, including garbage, fire and disrespectful behavior of tourists. Mayor Christoph Senoner has now confirmed that the turnstile was built without the necessary permission and has called in the police to clarify the situation.
Crowded hiking destinations and record numbers
The numbers show the extent of the problem: on peak days, up to 4,000 tourists go to the Seceda Alm, and the Three Peaks receive over 13,000 visitors. South Tyrol can look back on a record year in 2024, with 37.1 million overnight stays and 8.7 million arrivals, which corresponds to an increase of 2.6% and 3.3% compared to the previous year. August 2024 in particular represented a peak with over six million overnight stays.
Popular Instagram hotspots attract particularly large crowds, while other, quieter areas remain empty. This inequality leads to an increased sense of displacement among local farmers who ask for a balance between tourism and agriculture.
Suggestions for solving the problem
Farmers urgently demand solutions and a reconciliation of the different interests between tourists and the local population. Suggestions to improve the situation include measures to raise awareness among holidaymakers and the idea of introducing Dolomite patrols to ensure compliance with rules and behavior. Despite the protests, it is clear that the high number of visitors to the hiking trails continues and the challenges therefore remain.
You can find out more about the protests and mass tourism in the Dolomites at Mercury and Mirror.