No pictures, please: This small town in Italy hands out fines for street selfies
Taking the perfect picture is the best way to remember a fantastic vacation. However, consider taking a mental image if you are visiting Portofino, Italy.
The small fishing village has seen an influx of tourists and while the boost may be nice for economic reasons, the town does not appreciate the disruption.
According to Travel Noire, the mayor of the picturesque town, Matteo Viavaca, has found a way to address the clogged streets.
Viavaca has enforced a new law that will fine tourists that loiter in two of the city’s popular areas.
Taking up space in the two spots will run you 275 euros, which equates to around $302. The areas have become popular with tourists stopping and taking photos, causing traffic to come to an unsafe halt. The Times reported that the sites will now be considered “red zones.”
While you may think the “anarchic chaos” the mayor describes is a bit dramatic, you would have to see the continuous stream of tourists obstructing the tiny village’s narrow streets.
“The objective is not to make the place more exclusive but to allow everyone to enjoy our beauty,” Viavaca told The Times. “We want to avoid dangerous situations caused by overcrowding.”
The new law was set in place right before a possible tourism spike. The outlet states local officials were directed to enforce the penalty over Easter weekend. The restriction will go throughout the summer and fall, ending on October 15. The regulation ends daily at 6 pm.
Due to its historical landmarks and breathtaking views, statues around tourist crowding areas are common in Italy.
Venice implemented a tourism tax for visitors staying overnight. The money collected from travelers goes toward infrastructure improvements and maintenance. Other European cities, such as Amsterdam and Barcelona, have imposed daily visitor caps to restrict overcrowding in certain areas.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.