ALBAWABA - Tommaso Pestelli, a goldsmith in Florence, was recently forced out of his historical workshop, to accommodate the construction of a luxury hotel. Such stories are becoming more common in Florence, shedding light on the influence of mass tourism on this beautiful Italian city.
Florence's city center, a UNESCO site, has become a popular for tourism, prompting a surge in visitor numbers that has significantly changed the landscape of the city.
As the number of tourists continues to rise, traditional artisans and independent businesses are facing displacement. Pestelli, a custodian of a family goldsmithing tradition since 1908, expressed distress over losing a part of the city's soul with the evolution of its landscape to cater to the tourism industry.
(Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
Authorities have responded to the growing concerns by putting bans on any new short-term vacation rentals in the historical center and offering tax incentives to landlords willing to revert to conventional leasing arrangements. Despite these measures, the effects of mass tourism are still felt.
Residents and local artisans Pestelli and Elena Bellini can feel such effects. They lament the change the neighborhoods are going through, the rise in criminal activities, and the diminishing presence of long-term residents in the city.
(Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)
As traditional businesses make way for modern conveniences, Gabriele Maselli, president of Florence's Historical Businesses Association, underscores the impact this has on the city's artisanal legacy.
The displacement of artisans from their workshops near the iconic Ponte Vecchio and the broader repercussions for Florence's traditional craftsmanship show the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve the artistic essence of the city.
Florence stands at a critical point right now, where a balance to make sure the city's history is not overshadowed by tourism.
