Tourists visiting on the scenic route face a new demand: a payment fee requested by local landowners, following an influx of over 8,000 visitors in a single day.
In the heart of the Italian Dolomites, a turnstile has been set up on the Seceda mountain trail, marking a grassroots effort to combat overtourism and the resulting environmental damage. The move, initiated by local farmers, has sparked debate and highlighted the complexities of balancing public access, environmental conservation, and local livelihoods in heavily visited mountain areas.
The Seceda trail, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Odle Peaks, has become a hotspot for tourists, with reports suggesting that as many as 8,000 people walked the path on a single day last week. Some attribute the popularity of the trail to its use in Apple's iPhone promotional imagery, boosting its appeal among tech-savvy travellers.
The farmers' protest takes the form of a €5 fee for hikers wishing to access the trail, with children and residents exempt from the charge. The fee aims to decrease overcrowding and the subsequent environmental degradation caused by excessive foot traffic. The farmers lament the trail wear, litter, and disregard for the natural environment that has resulted from the surge in visitors.
The installation of the turnstile has been met with criticism, as it contradicts the traditional right to roam commonly accepted in the Dolomites and much of Italy’s mountainous areas. Critics fear this could set a precedent for other private landowners to impose fees on access to public trails. While such fees are rare in Italy, the local situation reflects wider tensions between tourism growth and environmental/social sustainability in fragile mountain ecosystems.
The turnstile has had several effects: it may potentially reduce visitor numbers, alter visitor behavior, spark debate about public access rights versus private land stewardship, and highlight the challenges in managing popular natural sites overwhelmed by social media-driven tourism booms.
The cable car company operating from Ortisei to the summit has proposed tripling its capacity, causing further controversy and fears of exacerbating the overtourism problem. However, an alternative route is provided for hikers to bypass the turnstile and still reach the famous panoramic viewpoint of the Odle Peaks.
Local tourism groups acknowledge that overcrowding is due in part to a lack of regulation by provincial authorities. Tourism and environmental groups are calling for a price increase or complete closure in peak season to prevent the unsustainable influx of visitors. The situation in South Tyrol, one of the most overcrowded tourist destinations in Italy, according to research by the Demoskopika Institute, underlines the need for urgent action.
Carlo Alberto Zanella, president of the South Tyrolean branch of Club Alpino Italia (CIA), believes education about environmental respect is necessary. He emphasises the need for a balanced approach, stating, "We must find a solution that respects the environment, the local community, and the tourists who come to enjoy this beautiful place."
As the debate continues, the Seceda mountain trail serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in managing popular natural sites, ensuring the preservation of the environment, and protecting the cultural heritage of Italy's mountains.
[1] Apple's iPhone 15 Promotional Video Features Seceda Mountain [2] Local Farmers Install Turnstile on Seceda Mountain Trail [3] Odle Peaks: A Magnificent Destination Overwhelmed by Tourism [4] The Impact of Social Media on Tourism: The Case of Seceda Mountain
- In light of the Seceda mountain's popularity, which partially stems from its appearance in Apple's iPhone 15 promotional video, the environmental damage and overcrowding have become significant concerns for local environmental scientists and climate-change advocates.
- The implementation of the turnstile on the Seceda mountain trail, a move initiated by local farmers to combat overtourism, has brought into focus the role of environmental-science education in shaping responsible tourism practices and preserving the environment.
- As people continue to flock to scenic destinations like the Odle Peaks for travel and lifestyle purposes, there is a growing need for home-and-garden designers to incorporate eco-friendly practices in accommodations and facilities, minimizing their impact on the natural environment.
