The age-old adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” has taken a rather unexpected turn in modern times. While the original meaning emphasized blending in with local customs, it now seems that tourists are ignoring the Romans’ plea for respectful behavior. This shift in behavior has prompted authorities to take a firm stance, even issuing hefty fines for tourists who overstep the bounds of acceptable conduct.
Tourist Trouble in the Eternal City
The Romans, once known for their leisurely afternoon siestas, are now facing the onslaught of tourists. The once-peaceful siesta time, from 1 to 3 pm, has become a battleground for disrespectful tourists who fail to observe the local custom of quietude. Failing to respect this tradition can cost you a whopping €450 fine, a hefty price to pay for ignoring local customs.
The issue isn’t limited to Italy. Tourists’ disregard for local customs is a global phenomenon. Amsterdam and Croatia have issued warnings about disruptive behavior from tourists, ranging from out-of-control stag parties to indecent behavior on nudist beaches. Bali experienced the shock of a tourist streaking through a sacred temple while intoxicated. Even Japan has faced the issue of tourists defacing ancient places of worship.
The Social Media Factor & The Rise of Unruly Tourists
While the recent post-pandemic surge in travel is partly blamed for this increase in tourist misconduct, the problem predates the pandemic. The advent of social media has played a significant role, encouraging some to engage in outlandish behavior for online attention.
This trend has reached alarming levels in Italy, with tourists disrespecting the country’s rich history and culture. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, Italy saw an 86% increase in international arrivals, bringing with it a constant stream of stories of unruly behavior. These include tourists performing pedicures in art museums and even driving over ancient monuments.
Consequences for Tourist Misbehavior: Fines, Bans, and Jail Time
The situation has become so severe that UNESCO has threatened to remove Venice from its World Heritage list if the Italian government fails to address the problem of mass tourism. This year, Venice has become the first inhabited city in the world to introduce an entrance fee, a desperate attempt to curb the overwhelming number of tourists.
The consequences for tourists who disregard local customs are growing increasingly serious. Italy has passed legislation in 2023 to fine vandals of cultural sites up to €60,000. Other countries are implementing similar measures.
Don’t Be That Tourist: A Guide to Respectful Travel
To help you avoid falling victim to these increasingly strict penalties, here’s a list of things to avoid while travelling in Italy and other popular tourist destinations:
Don’t Swim in the Canals of Venice
Venice’s canals are not just a romantic attraction, but also serve as the city’s sewer system. Despite this fact, in 2022, there were 47 reported incidents of swimming in the canals. This included two Americans who skinny-dipped next to the Arsenale landmark and two Australians who surfed down the Grand Canal.
The consequences for these actions can be severe. The two surfers were fined €1,500 each and their surfboards were confiscated. They also faced legal proceedings for damaging the city’s image. Tourists can be fined €3,000 for indecent acts if caught skinny-dipping.
It is important to remember that tourism is a privilege, not a right. By respecting local customs and traditions, we can ensure that these destinations remain accessible and enjoyable for all. As travelers, we have a responsibility to be respectful and mindful of the impact we have on the places we visit. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these places.
