Renovating the Heart: Florence's Fight Against Tourism Overflow
"Farewell for Good": The Displacement of Florence's Artisans due to Tourism's Growth
The charm of Florence, Italy, is under threat as an influx of tourists flood the city, claiming historic workshops and homes in exchange for luxury hotels and vacation rentals. Local artisans are speaking out against what they see as the scourge of 'hit-and-run' tourism.
The Eviction of Tommaso Pestelli
Goldsmith Tommaso Pestelli, the latest victim of this mass tourism, was evicted from his historic Florence workshop to make way for a pricey hotel. As the umpteenth artisan to face this fate, Pestelli calls for urgent action to protect the city's heart and soul.
A City in Peril
Critics claim Florence has been transformed into a "prostitute" due to the overwhelming number of tourists that descend upon its streets. With 1.5 million visitors flocking to the city last summer, up 6.6 percent from the previous year, it's no wonder locations like the famed Duomo and Michelangelo's David see seemingly endless queues.
As residents are forced out, traditional shops are vanishing, leaving the city eerily empty. "Florence is becoming an empty box," said Pestelli, whose family has been in the goldsmith business for generations.
A Rental Crisis
The surge in tourist accommodations has left residential rentals skyrocketing. From 2016 to 2023, average rents increased a staggering 42 percent, while the number of apartments listed on Airbnb skyrocketed from 6,000 to nearly 15,000[1]. Even in the quiet winter months, tourist queues snake around the block at the Duomo.
The Impact on Neighborhoods
Declining neighborhoods are another result of the tourism boom. Elena Bellini, who sells work by local artists, says the drop in long-term residents has led to increased crime, like break-ins. The sad message "Florence is dying" has even been scrawled in the window of a jeweler's shop, suggestive of the city's selling out to big business.
Seeking Solutions
The Tuscan capital is not alone. Venice and other top tourist destinations like the Cinque Terre have suffered similar fates. Although Venice implements a ticketing system to control daily visitors, Florence's government is encouraging tourists to explore areas beyond the city center in an effort to spread the tourism load.
Residents' demands for affordable housing have resulted in a ban on new short-term private vacation rentals in the historic center[1][4]. The measure includes tax incentives for landlords willing to switch back to standard leases.
Despite these efforts, artisans such as Pestelli continue to lose their homes and workshops to the relentless march of tourism. The tradition of Florence's goldsmiths seems poised to disintegrate as its heart is sold to the highest bidder.
References:
[1] CNBC. (2023, June 8). Florence to ban Airbnb and short-term vacation rentals from historic center. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/08/florence-to-ban-airbnb-and-short-term-vacation-rentals-from-historic-center.html
[2] The Guardian. (2023, January 15). Florence, Italy, moves to save tourist-weary city from runaway tourism. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jan/15/florence-italy-moves-to-save-tourist-weary-city-from-runaway-tourism
[3] The Telegraph. (2023, March 18). How Florence is declaring war on mass tourism. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/europe/italy/tuscany/articles/how-florence-is-declaring-war-on-mass-tourism/
[4] Italy Magazine. (2023, June 12). Goodbye Airbnb: Florence's historic center to ban short-term rentals. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://italymagazine.com/articles/goodbye-airbnb-florence-historic-center-to-ban-short-term-rentals/
[5] The Local Italy. (2022, February 27). Florence's overtourism being managed 'irresponsibly', says green left party. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://www.thelocal.it/20220227/florence-overtourism-managed-irresponsibly-says-green-left-party/
- The European Union (EU) is urged to intervene and help Florence's fight against the overwhelming tourism that threatens the city's Italian heritage and way of life.
- With the increasing number of tourists flocking to Italy, there's a growing concern for the local economy and the future of home-and-garden industries, such as the traditional goldsmith business in Florence.
- As the government implementing bans on short-term rentals in the historic center, residents hope for an Italian lifestyle revival with a focus on long-term leases and a more sustainable local economy.
- To preserve the essence of Italy's culture and cities like Florence, local artisans and food purveyors collaborate with the EU on workshops and programs promoting traditional Italian craftsmanship and cuisine.
- In an effort to preserve the beauty of Venice and Florence, the Italian government adopts stricter taxation policies on the luxury hotels and vacation rentals that capitalize on the tourism influx, with the revenue directed towards expanding public gardens, parks, and green spaces throughout Italy.
