Sunday, September 15, 2024 Two picturesque islands in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago, often referred to as the “Maldives of Rome,” have implemented new entry fees for yachts as part of efforts to control the growing influx of visitors. The islands of Ponza and Palmarola, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Lazio, have long been popular summer destinations, attracting yachts and other boats in large numbers. However, in response to concerns from locals regarding overtourism and the environmental impact of the increasing crowds, authorities have decided to take action.
These fees aim to manage the surge of visitors while addressing the strain on the islands’ natural beauty and resources. Residents have expressed frustration over the overwhelming number of boats, particularly during the high season when Ponza’s renowned bays become congested with yachts, transforming the once-pristine waters into what they describe as “floating parking lots.” This overcrowding not only obstructs the stunning views but also poses safety risks for swimmers.
By implementing these entry fees, local authorities hope to alleviate some of the pressure, ensuring a more sustainable tourism model that protects the islands’ unique landscapes while preserving the quality of life for both locals and visitors. This year marks a significant change for boaters visiting Ponza and Palmarola, as all types of vessels, including large dinghies, are now required to pay a fee. This initiative comes in response to the escalating number of boats arriving each summer, which has caused overcrowding and concerns about the environmental impact on the islands’ fragile ecosystems.
The fees vary depending on the size of the boat, ensuring that larger vessels contribute more towards the conservation efforts. This new system is aimed at regulating the flow of maritime traffic and preserving the pristine waters and landscapes that draw visitors to these stunning Italian islands. To streamline the process and make it easier for boaters to comply with the new regulations, local authorities have developed a dedicated app called My Ponza.
Through this app, boat owners can conveniently book daily tickets for any vessel intending to come within 200 meters of the shore of either Ponza or Palmarola. The app not only facilitates the payment of fees but also provides essential information on the islands’ rules and guidelines for visitors, helping to promote responsible tourism and protect the natural environment. The introduction of the My Ponza app represents a modern solution to a growing problem, utilizing technology to manage tourism more efficiently.
By requiring boats to register and pay fees through the app, authorities can monitor the number of vessels entering the islands’ waters, preventing the overcrowding that has plagued previous seasons. This system ensures that only those who have paid and followed the proper procedures can anchor near the islands, reducing the strain on both the environment and local residents, who have long voiced their concerns about the influx of boats. With these new measures in place, Ponza and Palmarola are taking proactive steps toward sustainable tourism.
The islands’ leadership hopes that by regulating boat traffic and ensuring that visitors contribute to conservation efforts, they can preserve the natural beauty and serenity that make these destinations so unique. This initiative also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between tourism and environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of protecting such treasured locations for future generations. For example, in August, yachts measuring 40 meters are required to pay a daily fee of €120 (£101), whereas smaller 15-meter sailboats are charged €45 (£38) per day.
Next year, authorities plan to introduce fines that will be ten times the cost of the entry ticket that boat owners should have purchased, according to the mayor. Currently, vessels caught without paying the required entry fee are simply made to pay the standard ticket price. This upcoming penalty system is designed to enforce stricter compliance, ensuring that boats visiting Ponza and its surrounding islands follow the new regulations aimed at controlling the flow of visitors.
Ponza, home to just 3,000 permanent residents, sees its population swell to nearly 20,000 tourists daily during the peak summer months. Nearby, the mostly uninhabited islands of Zannone and Palmarola—renowned for their dramatic cliffs and grotto-lined shores—are similarly flooded with yachts and fishing boats, many rented by holidaymakers who set off from Ponza. According to Mayor Ambrosino, the introduction of these fees serves three primary purposes: curbing unregulated sea tourism, protecting the delicate marine ecosystem, and improving safety for swimmers by preventing boats from anchoring in designated areas.
Local authorities and residents are keen to safeguard the atolls’ untouched marine environment and prevent further erosion of the cliffs, which poses a serious risk to visitors. Incidents in previous years have underscored these dangers, with one tragic event in 2001 when a rockslide at Chiaia di Luna resulted in the death of a 19-year-old tourist. This devastating accident highlighted the urgent need for protective measures to prevent future cliff collapses.
A fee is required even for those who simply want to snap a quick selfie from their boat. The entry fee is also designed to help authorities monitor the daily influx of boats and map out safe zones around Ponza for better management. Mr.
Capone admits he prefers the peaceful stillness of Ponza in the winter months, finding the summer crowds and noise overwhelming. However, he recognizes that tourism plays a crucial role in the island’s economy, and the bustling activity during the peak season sustains local businesses. Despite the seasonal disruption, the influx of visitors is essential for Ponza’s livelihood, especially during the summer months when the island thrives on tourism.
Giovanni Mastropietro, head of the Ponza hotel association and owner of the Bellavista Hotel and restaurant, supports the new entry fee for boats. However, he emphasizes the importance of clear communication, ensuring that people understand the fee is not merely a tax to discourage excessive boat traffic. Instead, it serves a broader purpose, aiming to regulate the number of vessels while promoting sustainability and protecting the island’s delicate environment.
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