PADUA – In the city, tourists are struggling with bicycles and scooters left to obstruct passage areas. A situation which, according to Ascom, certainly does not present a good business card for a city where tourism is experiencing great growth. The complaint, which mainly concerns the means of sharing services, comes from Rossana Comida, president of the tourist guides Ascom Confcommercio, but the municipal administration assures that it is looking for solutions.
THE ATTACK
«A little education would be enough, the good name of the city is at stake – explains Comida -. This is why we sent a letter to the councilors for tourism and productive activities and to the local police command: it is a question of decorum.” She explains that she “doesn’t want to put anyone on the spot”, but she says she’s worried. Hence the decision to send the letters to the administrators. «We turned to the administration also in view of the hoped for and expected large influx of tourist groups into the city – she adds –, reporting the numerous obstacles caused by the unregulated parking of scooters and bicycles both in the historic center and in transit areas . Unfortunately, the image of a city, beautiful in common opinion, risks being soiled by the obstacle caused without even a reason.”
But sharing vehicles would not be the only flaw. «Even more serious is the presence of large quantities of waste in the Prato della Valle canal, an icon of the city that must be appropriately safeguarded. We ask administrators – concludes Comida – to intensify controls to protect public goods. We trust that a solution can be identified in line with the needs of visitors and the promotion of a tourist and welcoming city, an objective for which the administration, it must be recognized, is working positively”.
THE REPLICA
The councilor for Mobility, Andrea Ragona, reassures: «We are trying, in collaboration with the bike and scooter manager, to tighten the rules on the phenomenon of abandoned vehicles. The service must be guaranteed but anyone who abandons vehicles must also be sanctioned.” The Tourism Councilor, Andrea Colasio, reiterates his closeness and esteem for the tourist guides who operate in the city with great professionalism. «I will urge colleagues on the issue. Padua is a city of art, the flow of tourists is increasing and every detail must be thought of to make the city welcoming – he states -. I will be the spokesperson for the legitimate requests of the tourist guides, with which I agree.”
He thanked the councilor for Productive Activities, Antonio Bressa, for the report and for the great work done by the tourist guides «which contributes to enhancing the city». «We will work with all interested parties to ensure that no detail is overlooked and Padua shows itself at its best, also considering the growth in the flow of tourists – he comments -. A city that decently welcomes tourists also creates a benefit for the related commercial activities.”
Tags: Bad publicity tourism Padua
