Florence's Accademia director sparks controversy with overtourism comments

Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, ignited a political firestorm after describing the city as a 'prostitute' overwhelmed by tourism during a press conference presenting the museum's 2023 results and 2024 projects. She argued that Florence has been 'alienated from its origins' over the past eight years, with traditional shops replaced by souvenir stores, and called for urgent management of tourism, warning that if not curbed, the city would be lost. The museum has seen a 42% increase in visitors since 2015, reaching over 2 million by December 2023, partly due to overtourism. Florence mayor Dario Nardella called her remarks 'an offense of unprecedented gravity,' while Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano threatened legal action, stating he would evaluate 'all initiatives of the case' under current regulations. Hollberg later apologized, saying she used 'the wrong words' and intended to advocate for more conscious, sustainable tourism. The incident highlights tensions between cultural heritage preservation and mass tourism in UNESCO cities.