In a move aimed at managing the increasing number of visitors, the Pompeii archaeological park in Italy will limit daily attendance to 20,000 people and introduce personalized tickets starting next week.

The new regulations come after a record-breaking summer saw over 4 million tourists visit the ancient Roman city, which was buried under ash and rock following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

Aiming for Sustainable Tourism

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park’s director, explained that the daily average attendance had reached between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors, which has strained the site’s ability to preserve its unique cultural heritage. The introduction of a daily cap on ticket sales is expected to help alleviate the pressure on the site, ensuring that Pompeii remains a sustainable and safe place for both visitors and its fragile ruins.

“We are working on a series of projects to lift the human pressure on the site, which could pose risks both for visitors and the heritage that is so unique and fragile,” said Zuchtriegel. He emphasized that these measures are part of a larger effort to ensure the long-term preservation of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Personalized Tickets and Time Slots

Starting November 15, the park will issue personalized tickets, including the full names of visitors. A maximum of 20,000 tickets will be available each day, with designated time slots to help manage the flow of tourists. This change is intended to improve the visitor experience, prevent overcrowding, and reduce the strain on Pompeii's ancient structures.

Promoting Nearby Archaeological Sites

In addition to the new regulations at Pompeii, the park is also promoting other nearby ancient sites through the “Greater Pompeii” project. Under this initiative, tourists can use a free shuttle bus service to explore other significant archaeological sites in the area, such as Stabia, Torre Annunziata, and Boscoreale.

This effort aims to spread visitors more evenly across the region and reduce the congestion at Pompeii itself. The changes reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustainable tourism, especially at world-famous sites like Pompeii.

By implementing these measures, the archaeological park hopes to ensure that future generations can continue to experience and learn from this remarkable ancient city!