Initially, the repression targeted tour guides, who had their umbrellas and megaphones taken away.
During the peak tourist season, up to 50,000 people arrive daily on Capri — significantly more than the local population, which is only about 13,000 to 15,000.
The Italian island of Capri has announced new rules for tourists that will come into effect this summer. This elite resort is tightening requirements for tourist groups, which, according to authorities, clog narrow streets and disrupt local residents and other travelers.
The new rules limit the size of groups and prohibit guides from using megaphones and umbrellas.
Although the island has long promoted itself as a quiet and sophisticated destination, the crowds of unruly day-trippers do not fit this image at all.
Back in the 1950s, rules of conduct for visitors were introduced: wearing wooden clogs and playing the radio loudly were prohibited.
Now, the main threat to the exclusive atmosphere of the island has become tour groups. Authorities say that many of them are noisy and poorly organized, causing narrow streets and viewpoints to become overcrowded.
Capri Tightens Rules for Large Tour Groups
Under the new rules, only tourist groups of no more than 40 people will be allowed to disembark on the island.
Groups larger than 20 people are prohibited from using loudspeakers. Each participant must be provided with headphones or a headset to listen to the guide.
Guides and group leaders are allowed to have only a discreet sign or standard indicator to be recognized. The use of other noticeable items, such as umbrellas or flags, is prohibited.
Groups are required to stay compact and not compromise the safety and comfort of other guests. Tour guides must ensure that their charges do not take up too much space and leave room for other tourists.
"Tourists? Everyone, but not all at once"
Local residents and representatives of the tourism industry have supported this initiative.
"This is a responsible step that reflects our vision of the island finally becoming more livable," said Lorenzo Coppola, president of the Capri hoteliers' association.
"The new rules for organized groups are an indispensable tool that will help alleviate problem areas and restore 'breathing space' to our walking routes." Gianluigi Lembo, owner of the famous tavern Anema e Core, which has hosted Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Leonardo DiCaprio, emphasized that the new rules benefit all guests, not just VIPs.
"Tourists? Everyone, but not all at once. I am against dividing guests into first and second class; no one should be excluded," he told the Italian daily Corriere del Mezzogiorno.
"But we need to limit the size of groups because space on the island is limited. Therefore, I support the introduction of a limit and do not believe it only protects VIP tourism — it is a measure in the interest of everyone."
The mayor of Capri, Paolo Falco, added that the municipality is developing new measures to regulate vessel traffic in the Marina Grande port, where tourists arrive and gather to take the funicular or buses to the center of Capri or to the quieter town of Anacapri on the western side of the island.
In a conversation with Italian media, he explained that among the possible measures is a time limit for disembarking passengers. "We are carefully studying this issue and safety concerns in the port and will be able to address them well before the start of summer," he said.
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