Overtourism and the Erosion of Public Space in Italy
Marco Trulli argues that overtourism in Italy is an industry that should be regulated by the state, as it replaces other economic sectors and leads to the erosion of public space, gentrification, and the expulsion of residents. He critiques the commodification of cultural heritage through policies that monetize 'cultural assets' and the rise of 'gourmet gentrification' and 'necrophilic' placemaking. Trulli calls for a reversal of these processes through sustainable tourism policies, shared urban transformation processes, and a critical role for artists and cultural operators in resisting territorial branding. He references Marco D'Eramo's book 'Il selfie del mondo' and notes that measures limiting short-term rentals are already in place in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and New York.
Key facts
- Italy has the highest number of UNESCO sites in the world.
- In Venice, the number of tourist beds recently surpassed the number of residents.
- Marco D'Eramo argues tourism should be regulated as an industry by the state.
- Short-term rental restrictions exist in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and New York.
- The marketing campaign 'Open to Meraviglia' is criticized for trivializing landscape.
- Bertram Niessen proposed integrated management of flows, housing, and urban policies.
- Some startups reinvest profits into social responsibility projects in territories.
- Student strikes (sciopero studentesco delle tende) have linked housing rights to overtourism.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Trulli
- Marco D'Eramo
- Bertram Niessen
Institutions
- Artribune
- Feltrinelli
Locations
- Italy
- Florence
- Venice
- Tuscany
- Liguria
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Spain
- New York
- Viterbo