## Overtourism Crisis: Florence and Tenerife Lead the Charge for Sustainable Tourism
The escalating issue of overtourism is forcing popular destinations worldwide to re-evaluate their tourism strategies. Two prominent examples, Florence, Italy, and Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, are taking bold steps to address the negative impacts of mass tourism, offering valuable lessons for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
Florence Fights Back Against Short-Term Rental Boom:
In 2024, Florence, under Mayor Sara Funaro, implemented a series of measures targeting the rapid proliferation of short-term private rentals, largely facilitated by platforms like Airbnb. The number of these rentals in central Florence surged from a manageable 1,500 in 2018 to a staggering 9,000 by 2024, significantly impacting the local housing market. This dramatic increase priced many residents, including students and middle-income earners, out of the city, as landlords prioritized higher-paying tourists.
The city’s response includes proposals to significantly alter rental practices. A key measure is the potential ban on key safes, commonly used for self-check-in. Landlords would now be required to personally greet tenants, thereby reducing absentee ownership and encouraging greater engagement with the local community. This initiative, alongside others, is part of the broader “Save Florence” campaign, a grassroots movement highlighting the displacement of locals and the need for a more balanced tourism model. Campaign leaders, like IT engineer Massimo Torelli, paint stark pictures of entire streets emptied of residents, replaced solely by transient tourists. This exemplifies the urgent need for sustainable solutions that benefit both residents and visitors.
Tenerife Prioritizes Environmental Preservation:
Across the continent, Tenerife is grappling with a different facet of overtourism: the environmental strain of mass tourism. Facing a projected 77% increase in bookings for 2025 compared to 2024, despite ongoing local protests, the island is implementing a comprehensive plan to manage its tourism sustainably. A key component is the ban on tourist buses in the ecologically sensitive Anaga region, announced by Cabildo President Rosa Dávila. This is one of 70 measures aimed at promoting sustainable mobility, reducing vehicle traffic in protected areas, and preserving Tenerife’s natural beauty. The initiative includes encouraging public transportation, low-emission vehicles, and alternative, eco-friendly travel options.
A Global Trend Towards Regenerative Tourism:
The actions taken by Florence and Tenerife reflect a wider global trend. Cities across Europe, and indeed the world, are recognizing the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices. From Venice and Barcelona’s efforts to curb short-term rentals to initiatives in Spain and the Canary Islands to mitigate the environmental consequences of mass tourism, a collective effort is underway to strike a balance between economic growth and preserving the quality of life for residents and the environment.
The implications for travelers are significant. The emphasis on sustainability will likely mean fewer large-scale tourist experiences and an increase in responsible, eco-friendly travel options. While some regulations, like bus bans or stricter rental policies, might initially alter travel plans, they ultimately aim to encourage exploration of less-crowded areas and a more meaningful interaction with local communities. This shift towards regenerative tourism, focusing on leaving destinations better than they were found, is gaining momentum, prompting both travelers and the tourism industry to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices. The future of tourism hinges on this critical balance between economic benefit and the preservation of local cultures, environments, and invaluable resources.
