Access to Tuerredda, a renowned Sardinian beach celebrated for its stunning golden sands and vibrant turquoise waters, will soon require advance reservations made through a dedicated mobile application.
Currently, daily visitor numbers are capped at 1,100 during the summer season. The Teulada council is now introducing this app-based booking system to manage crowds more effectively.
“We anticipate launching the new reservation system as early as July,” stated Angelo Milia, Mayor of Teulada.
Restrictions on visitors at Tuerredda have been in place since 2020, initially including prohibitions against single-use plastics and smoking on the beach. Furthermore, removing sand or pebbles from the area is also prohibited.
This initiative reflects a broader challenge facing Italy: overtourism. The country consistently welcomes approximately 50 million tourists each year. As the national government has been slow to implement nationwide solutions, local councils are proactively seeking ways to manage visitor numbers.
Recently, leaders from 25 Italian tourist destinations convened in Amalfi for an emergency summit dedicated to addressing overtourism concerns. The surge in popularity of Taormina, Sicily, fueled by its appearance in the television series “White Lotus,” highlights this growing issue.
The mayors are advocating for greater autonomy in restricting access during peak seasons and increased control over public transportation coordination. They also seek the ability to implement local taxes tailored to tourism.
Paolo Falco, Mayor of Capri, is particularly concerned with the influx of day-trippers who overwhelm the island each summer. He has proposed an hourly limit on ferry arrivals.
“It is essential that our municipality has a say in the hourly timetable of maritime connections, currently established only at the regional level,” Falco stated.
Last year, Anacapri’s mayor suggested deploying 40 buoys offshore to prevent congestion near the island’s famed Blue Grotto.
Capri received 16,000 foreign visitors during May and June of last year, a stark contrast to its resident population of just 13,000.
Following the Amalfi summit, Michele Cereghini, Mayor of Pinzolo in the Italian Alps, emphasized the need for balance.
“We are acutely aware of tourism’s value and importance to our region’s growth. However, we also recognize the necessity of ensuring the well-being of our residents. Our goal is to guarantee and preserve quality tourism.”
The push towards sustainable practices highlights a shift in priorities, aiming to protect both the environment and the local communities that rely on tourism.
