As European cities continue to struggle with surging tourist numbers, Italian farmers have taken matters into their own hands by installing turnstiles along popular hiking trails in the Dolomites. This initiative is part of a growing movement across Europe to combat overtourism, which has led to environmental degradation and strain on local resources. The Dolomites, a renowned mountain range in northeastern Italy, have seen a dramatic increase in visitor numbers, particularly due to the influence of social media personalities who frequently post pictures of the scenic landscapes, drawing large crowds.
Carlo Zanella, president of the Alto Adige Alpine Club, has voiced his support for these turnstiles, stating they are ‘working’ in curbing the influx of tourists. ‘The turnstiles were installed at the beginning of July by a farmer who owns the land where the path passes,’ Zanella explained. Visitors are charged approximately $5 for entry through the turnstiles, a measure aimed at both managing the number of people accessing the trails and generating revenue to support local conservation efforts. However, Zanella has expressed frustration with the role of influencers, criticizing their tendency to highlight locations that do not reflect the true character of the region or its cultural significance.
The impact of overtourism is particularly evident in the Dolomiti Superski area, which spans over 12 valleys and recorded 4 million winter visitors during the 2024 season, according to The Times. The Province of Belluno, home to the Dolomites, has also seen a 11% increase in tourist arrivals from 2019 to 2023. Zanella highlighted the challenge of balancing tourism with the preservation of local ecosystems, stating, ‘I am against the influencers because they almost always tell things that are not in events related to the locality and show the mountain differently from what it is. They are only interested in making money through advertising.’
While the turnstiles have been implemented as a short-term solution, the issue of overtourism remains a pressing concern for local authorities and residents. Discussions are ongoing to address the problem, but a definitive plan has yet to be announced. Zanella believes the key to reducing the number of tourists lies in promoting other beautiful destinations that may offer similar experiences without the same level of overcrowding. ‘The best way to reduce the flow of tourists is to highlight that there are other even more beautiful places to visit,’ he remarked. As the debate over sustainable tourism continues, the Dolomites serve as a microcosm of the global challenge of managing natural beauty in the face of increasing demand.