Stunning Italian island imposes steep penalties to stop aggressive street tactics used on tourists

Key Points:

• Capri, a luxury Italian island, has introduced a ban on persistent street solicitation by restaurant hosts, tour operators, and vendors, with fines ranging from $30 to $585 for violators, aiming to improve the tourist experience.
• To combat overtourism, Capri will limit organized tour groups to a maximum of 40 people starting in May and prohibit tour guides from using oversized markers like umbrellas or flags to reduce congestion.
• The new measures were unanimously approved by Capri’s city council as part of broader efforts to manage visitor numbers, particularly during peak travel months when up to 50,000 tourists arrive daily.
• Local business leaders and associations have welcomed the restrictions, viewing them as necessary steps to ease crowding in popular areas such as the main square and marina and to enhance livability for residents.
• Capri has a history of regulations aimed at preserving its character, and officials, including the mayor, are committed to enforcing these new rules ahead of the summer tourist season.