Naples, once a vibrant and authentic city, is increasingly being reshaped by overtourism. Streets once filled with Neapolitan life are now teeming with visitors, transforming the historic center into what some describe as a hollow, tourist-driven playground. The city’s unique charm, once a draw for both locals and visitors, is being replaced by a more commercialized, sanitized version aimed at catering to tourists — with little regard for the local population.
What’s Happening in Naples?
The phenomenon of overtourism has become a significant issue in Naples, Italy, where tourism is eroding the city’s authentic cultural and social fabric. One glaring example is the case of the bronze statue of Pulcinella, a figure who represents the city’s folklore. The statue, erected in the 2010s, was largely ignored by locals until influencers fabricated a backstory, making it a must-see for tourists. What was once an organic local tradition is now a manufactured one, highlighting the paradox of a “local” tradition without any locals.
This influx of tourists has led to a situation where Naples is becoming increasingly unaffordable for its residents, especially in areas traditionally seen as working-class. Many neighborhoods are now plagued by short-term rentals, further pushing out locals as prices rise. The increase in tourism has intensified housing shortages, with working-class districts becoming more touristy, further displacing longtime residents.
Impact on Housing and Local Communities
A significant consequence of overtourism in Naples is its impact on housing. Short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb, have exploded in popularity, creating a situation where locals are priced out of their own neighborhoods. “In some working-class districts, there’s one B&B for every three homes,” says Chiara Capretti, a municipal councilor. In poorer neighborhoods, the impact is even harsher, with longtime residents forced to leave to make room for tourists.
Giuseppe Giglio, a local humanitarian worker, recounts how he was displaced when his landlord decided to convert his apartment into a short-term rental. Giglio’s story reflects a growing trend where housing that once served the local community is increasingly turned into tourist accommodations.
In addition to housing problems, Naples’ streets are becoming more crowded, with long-term residents like the elderly woman who struggled to navigate the city’s congested streets pushed out. The tourist-focused changes are changing the essence of what made Naples, well, Naples.
The Shift from Local to Tourist-Centric
Tourists flock to Naples for its authenticity — vibrant street life, food culture, and local traditions. However, as more businesses cater to tourists, this authenticity is eroding. On Via Toledo, for example, food-related businesses increased from one in 2015 to five by 2023. The surge in restaurants and eateries has displaced local landmarks, like the Pironti bookstore, which was replaced by a tavern, further contributing to the city’s identity crisis.
“The historic center of Naples is dead,” says sociologist Francesco Calicchia. “These streets aren’t neighborhoods anymore. There are no Neapolitans left.” The commercialized nature of the historic center is squeezing out the real Neapolitan experience, turning the streets into an open-air shopping mall, devoid of true local life.
Tourism’s Long-Term Risks
While the tourism industry brings in money, critics argue it disproportionately benefits the wealthy. Large landlords, not local residents, often own multiple short-term rentals. Despite the money flowing into the city, it doesn’t get redistributed to the local community. The profits tend to benefit those from wealthier cities like Rome or Milan, rather than the residents of Naples.
Additionally, the increase in tourism has worsened long-standing issues, such as waste management. Tourists, often unfamiliar with the city, leave behind disposable packaging, adding to the pollution that already plagues the area.
The rapid expansion of tourism is also pushing out vulnerable populations. The homeless, once a visible part of the historic center, are now being forced into other parts of the city. Public services, such as public restrooms and benches, are disappearing, often due to the needs of tourists, leaving residents, especially the homeless, with no place to go.
Solutions and Future Considerations
Local officials and activists are pushing for national laws to regulate short-term rentals and curb the negative impacts of overtourism. However, without national legislation, local governments are powerless to implement effective regulations. “We need a national law to set some boundaries,” said Gennaro Acampora, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party in Naples. The tourism boom, left unchecked, risks further damaging the local community, both socially and economically.
Urban planning discussions are shifting to focus on the eastern part of Naples, with ideas to move residents away from the touristy center to less developed areas. This proposal has drawn criticism for pushing residents out of the city center to accommodate tourists, effectively making the historic heart of Naples a playground for visitors.
The Erosion of Authenticity
Critics argue that in the pursuit of attracting tourists, Naples risks losing what makes it unique. “Tourism isn’t going to stay this strong forever,” warns Francesco Calicchia. “Without political planning and a plan B, letting it continue unchecked carries serious risks.” The pressure of overtourism is already having visible effects on the authenticity of the city, which will only worsen unless there is significant action.
The rapid commercialization of Naples is reshaping the city’s social, cultural, and economic dynamics. While tourism has been a financial boon, it comes at the cost of the city’s identity and the displacement of its residents. If left unchecked, Naples could lose what made it so beloved in the first place — a unique and vibrant city filled with its people’s history, culture, and spirit.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
