Tourists hiking the beloved Dolomites trail in Italy now face a new cost, as local farmers have implemented a fee to cover their expenses.
Headline: Farmers in Dolomites Impose Tourist Fee as Protest Against Overtourism
In the heart of the Italian Alps, four farmers on the Seceda mountain in the Dolomites have taken a bold step to address the growing issue of overtourism in the region.
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Last summer, these farmers set up a turnstile on a public footpath, charging tourists €5 to continue their hike to the Seceda mountainous plateau. This move, according to the farmers, is a "cry for help" as they bear the cost of damage and litter caused by tourists, while not financially benefiting from the increased visitor numbers.
The established path crossing the farmers' lands is covered under the 'right to roam' convention in the Dolomites, allowing anyone to walk the path. However, the farmers' frustration with the lack of response from the authorities has led them to keep the turnstile in place, with no cease and desist order issued so far.
The Seceda plateau, a popular spot for hikers in the German-speaking South Tyrol province of Italy, attracts up to 8,000 people a day during the summer months. The increasing number of visitors has been causing damage to the farmers' land, leading them to ask for official compensation or regulatory measures to mitigate the environmental impact and costs.
Local tourist associations have spoken out against the turnstile on the Seceda footpath, expressing concern about its potential impact on free and fair access to hiking trails. The Val Gardena tourism board has been contacted for comment, but no detailed response is reported so far.
Lukas Demetz, president of the tourist association in Santa Cristina, mentioned that four rangers have been employed to manage tourist flow and ensure they respect local rules. Despite these efforts, the increasing number of visitors has put a strain on the region's resources.
The Odle mountain massif can be seen from the Seceda plateau, making it a popular destination for hikers. However, the farmers' concerns about damage being done to their land by tourists going off the established path highlight the tensions between local landowners and tourism management authorities.
This action by the farmers in the Dolomites serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by mountainous regions as they grapple with rising visitor numbers. The farmers' ongoing call for government intervention and the lack of a resolved official stance or policy change underscores the need for a balanced approach to tourism that considers the needs of both the environment and the local community.
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- Despite the Seceda mountain in the Dolomites being a popular holiday destination for hiking tours, local farmers have imposed a fee for visitors, citing the damages and costs caused by overtourism.
- The farmers' action on the public footpath is a reflection of their growing frustration with the lack of regulation in the tourism industry and the 'right to roam' convention.
- The increase in tourist numbers, especially during the summer months, has become a concern for local environmental scientists studying climate-change effects and the impact on the region's fragile ecosystems.
- The farmers are advocating for official compensation or regulatory measures to protect their lands and align tourism practices with sustainable lifestyle choices.
- The trend of overtourism in mountainous destinations like the Dolomites calls for environmental-science-based policies to balance tourism development, resource management, and the needs of local communities.
- The Turnstile on the Seceda footpath has sparked debates within the local tourist industry, with some associations expressing concerns about the implications for tourist access and the overall tourism experience.
- As more visitors flock to popular destinations like the Seceda plateau, there is a pressing need for tourism providers to prioritize eco-friendly practices that minimize the carbon footprint and preserve the beauty of these places for future generations.
- In light of the farmers' protest and the ongoing discussion about sustainable tourism, it is crucial for the travel industry to rethink its approach to preserve natural habitats, protect local culture, and ensure a harmonious coexistence between tourism and the environment.
