Overtourism threatens Venice and Milan's urban fabric

The article examines the impact of mass tourism on Italian cities, focusing on Venice and Milan. In Venice, extreme behavior by tourists—such as public sex acts—highlights the city's transformation into a theme park. Local activists post flyers noting 49,365 residents versus 48,596 daily tourists, and 7,300 Airbnb listings averaging €211 per night. Despite increased vaporetto fares (€9.50 for 75 minutes) and tourist taxes, Venice's core areas are overrun. Milan, traditionally a city for workers, fashion, and design, saw 4 million arrivals in 2023 (5.5 million in the urban area), surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Since Expo, Milan has been included in tour packages with Venice, Lake Como, Bologna, and outlet malls. Neighborhoods rapidly adapt: fast-food chains replace local shops (hardware stores, bakeries, bars), and commercial spaces sell for thousands of euros per square meter. Public space is consumed by hundreds of outdoor tables, making food the new mass cult. Even smaller cities like Ravenna see graffiti reading 'If piadina costs more than €1, it's gentrification.' The author, architect Federica Verona, argues that without careful political guidance, real estate speculation makes cities inaccessible, calling for limits on short-term rentals, maximum stay durations, and expanded social housing.