Preserving Pompeii: The archaeological site sets limit on daily visitors to combat over tourism

As per the latest news reports, starting November 15, Pompeii Archaeological Park is all set to put a limit into the footfall of visitors, with a daily cap of 20,000 tickets to control crowd sizes. It will start to schedule tickets to control the number of visitors during the peak time.

Tickets will also be available in timed slots to help manage the crowd. The park is taking this action in an effort to safeguard the historical integrity of the UNESCO World Heritage site and prevent overtourism. With over 4 million visitors this summer exploring the ancient ruins of the Roman city famously buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., Pompeii saw record-breaking numbers of visitors. Park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel stressed that restricting visitors will help prevent potential harm to both the site and visitors.

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The park is introducing the “Greater Pompeii” project, which includes free shuttle services to other ancient sites like Stabia, Torre Annunziata, and Boscoreale, in addition to ticket restrictions. The intention is to lessen the strain on the main site by enticing tourists to explore these lesser-known but culturally interesting locations surrounding Pompeii. Zuchtriegel claims that by moving away from mass tourism and promoting a slower pace that honours the local environment and cultural history, these actions seek to provide visitors with a more pleasurable and sustainable travel experience.

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After the pandemic, the number of visitors to well-known locations has not only reached pre-2019 levels but has also surpassed them in some locations, placing a burden on ecosystems and local resources. The park’s new regulations are a component of a larger plan to strike a balance between conservation and tourism.The park’s director added that the new daily cap will prevent the number of visitors from increasing further, as the site presently receives an average of 15,000 to 20,000 visitors every day. According to Zuchtriegel, the goal of this project is to promote sustainable tourism while giving tourists the opportunity to enjoy the area’s rich cultural and historical assets outside of the main archaeological site.

For those planning a trip, Pompeiis new personalised ticketing system and the introduction of timed slots provide a structured way to manage the visitor flow, especially during peak seasons. Travellers can also take advantage of the Greater Pompeii project, a free shuttle service linking Pompeii to nearby archaeological sites like Stabia, Torre Annunziata, and Boscoreale. Each of these locations has its own historical treasures, from opulent Roman villas to burial grounds, making for an enriching day-trip experience that goes beyond the main site.