Recently, Sirmione has faced a significant issue of overtourism, particularly on May 1st, when the massive influx of visitors strained local traffic. The Security Councillor, Massimo Padovan, announced a series of measures to be presented to the Council aimed at improving tourist flow management and ensuring a balance between the right to enjoy the beauty of the area and the livability for residents. Among the proposals that emerged, the idea of introducing an access fee for day-trippers stands out, similar to those already implemented in some major art cities.
Padovan emphasized the importance of adopting modern and effective tools to manage tourist flows, rather than leaving it to chance. In addition to the proposed fee, a mandatory reservation system is anticipated for peak days, along with a review of parking rates to encourage vehicle turnover. The councillor also highlighted the need for open dialogue with merchants, hoteliers, and residents to develop shared and sustainable solutions. An initial operational meeting is scheduled for the coming weeks to kickstart this journey towards a more balanced management of tourism in the lakeside town.