South Tyrol under pressure: mass tourism threatens nature and communities!

South Tyrol under pressure: mass tourism threatens nature and communities!

South Tyrolean tourism is facing increased criticism from environmental associations. The umbrella organization for nature and environmental protection and the South Tyrol Heritage Association accuse mass tourism of being responsible for various grievances in the region. In particular, the impact on the environment and the quality of life of the local population are the focus of the discussion.

In an official reaction, the Hoteliers and Innkeepers Association (HGV) published a press release rejecting this criticism. The association emphasizes the importance of tourism for the regional economy, especially since it contributes around 11% to the added value in South Tyrol.

Mass tourism and visitor numbers

Lake Braies in the Dolomites has become a symbolic example of the challenges that mass tourism brings with it. Strict access restrictions apply in the summer months. Visitors must book tickets in advance and are encouraged to use public transport, cycle or walk. These measures are aimed at limiting the number of guests, which has increased significantly in recent years.

Between 2000 and 2019, the number of overnight stays almost doubled, from almost 24 million to almost 34 million. It is no wonder that local residents and environmentalists raise concerns about the excessive number of visitors, which puts a strain on both the region's nature and infrastructure.

Policies and future plans

The South Tyrolean state government has presented a state tourism development concept that emphasizes the need for a rethink in dealing with tourism. The number of overnight accommodations should be frozen at the 2019 level. Restaurateurs and hoteliers must report the number of their beds in order to create a sound data basis.

Nevertheless, the umbrella organization for nature and environmental protection criticizes the bed stop plan as inadequate. The HGV, in turn, is critical of the measures, as not all communities are equally influenced by tourism. The municipality of Vahrn represents a particular challenge, where there are efforts to expand the tourist offering.

The state government is also planning exceptions for communities less developed for tourism and for local farms. Meanwhile, environmentalists are calling for clearer and more drastic measures to combat mass tourism. State Councilor Arnold Schuler has not ruled out that more radical measures to regulate visitor numbers may have to be considered in the future.

The dispute over mass tourism in South Tyrol remains tense. A rethink seems essential in order to find the balance between economic interests and environmental protection.