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

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

South Tyrolean tourism sees increased criticism of environmental associations. The umbrella organization for nature and environmental protection as well as the local care association South Tyrol accuse mass tourism of being responsible for various grievances in the region. In particular, the effects on the environment and quality of life of the local population are the focus of the discussion.

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

mass tourism and visitor numbers

The Pragser Wildsee in the Dolomites has become a symbolic example of the challenges that mass tourism brings. In the summer months, strict access restrictions apply. Visitors have to book tickets in advance and are encouraged to use public transport, ride a bike or walk. These measures aim to limit the number of guests that have increased significantly in recent years.

between 2000 and 2019, the number of overnight stays has almost doubled, from almost 24 million to almost 34 million. It is no wonder that residents and environmentalists express concerns about the excessive number of visitors that burden both nature and the region's infrastructure.

political measures and future plans

The South Tyrolean state government has submitted a state tourism development concept that emphasizes the need to rethink in dealing with tourism. The number of overnight stays should be frozen at the 2019 state of 2019. Gastronomers and hoteliers have to report the number of their beds to create a well -founded data basis.

Nevertheless, the plan of the bed stop by the umbrella organization for nature and environmental protection is criticized as inadequate. The HGV, in turn, sees the measures critically because not all communities are equally strongly shaped by tourism. The municipality of Vahrn is a special challenge where there are efforts to expand the tourist offer.

The state government also plans exemptions for less touristy communities and for local farms. In the meantime, however, environmentalists demand clearer and more drastic measures against mass tourism. State Councilor Arnold Schuler has not ruled out that more radical measures to regulate the number of visitors will have to be considered in the future.

The argument about mass tourism in South Tyrol remains tense. A rethinking seems essential to find the balance between economic interests and environmental protection.