In a move to address growing concerns over overcrowding, the Pompeii archaeological park has introduced a daily visitor cap of 20,000, making it the latest Italian tourist site to take action against mass tourism. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which draws millions of visitors each year, will now require tourists to purchase named tickets, with entry divided into morning and afternoon slots during the peak summer months.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii, explained that the new scheme is part of an effort to manage crowd numbers more effectively and promote sustainable growth at the historic site, located near Naples in southern Italy. “The idea is not to close Pompeii but to expand it and better manage the flow,” Zuchtriegel told AFP at the launch of the initiative.
Pompeii, once an ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago, attracted over four million visitors in 2023. This year, the number is expected to rise. Between January and October, the site recorded nearly 3.84 million visitors, including a peak of more than 36,000 on a free-entry Sunday.
The large crowds have raised concerns about the safety of visitors and staff, as well as the preservation of Pompeii’s unique structures, some of which—including the bodies of approximately 3,000 victims—are remarkably well-preserved. “We want to guarantee all visitors a high-quality experience. It must never be mass tourism,” Zuchtriegel stated, emphasizing the importance of protecting the site’s integrity.
While limiting visitor numbers during peak seasons could potentially impact revenue, Zuchtriegel assured that the park’s financial health would not be compromised. The initiative aims to encourage tourists to explore other nearby attractions. For example, visitors who can only secure an afternoon ticket for Pompeii may choose to spend the morning at other sites.
Efforts are also underway to open more areas within Pompeii, including previously closed alleyways and streets, which would allow for more space and potentially increase the daily visitor limit in the future. “This is not a measure against growth. We are focusing on sustainable growth, lasting over time,” Zuchtriegel explained.
From April to October, a maximum of 15,000 visitors will be allowed between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., with an additional 5,000 permitted from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Pompeii is part of a broader trend across Italy, where other popular tourist destinations, including Venice and Cinque Terre, have introduced measures such as entry fees and ticketed paths to manage overcrowding and preserve cultural heritage.
