What the Spanish media dubbed tourismphobia last summer has also arrived in Palermo. What are the writings that scare tourists
From the Foro Italico to Via Porta di Castro, in Palermo they emerge signs and writings on the walls of the historic center against the visitors who arrive, in ever greater numbers, from all over Italy and the world.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries, generating lots of money and jobs. But more and more citizens are protesting against the overcrowding in historic centres.
What the Spanish media dubbed tourismphobia last summer has also arrived in Palermo.
An anti-tourist writing has appeared on the breakwaters of the Foro Italico, it reads: «Tourism kills the city», which translated into Italian means: «Tourism kills the city».
Others are scattered throughout the historic center, between via Porta di Castro, via Generale Cadorna, via Delle Pergole, Vucciria and Ballarò in the heart of Palermo’s historic markets, which attract thousands of visitors every year.
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The perpetrators of the protest are not yet known, but hoteliers and traders say they are worried.
The alarm is raised Giovanna Romano, owner of some holiday homes in the Ballarò district: «Tourists get worried when they read these writings – she explains – I have a tourist rental in the area and customers often send me these photos. I don’t know the reason for this hatred, usually in the neighborhood foreigners are welcomed with great enthusiasm.”
Just last night, Giovanna found herself having to explain to a group of tourists, intimidated by a graffiti that appeared in front of the accommodation: «It’s really embarrassing to explain to them that they shouldn’t be afraid. As an owner I am mortifiedmany cancel reservations or leave bad reviews.”
A problem that adds to the other inconveniences that affect the inhabitants of the Albergheria and Ballarò districts: «We already have many problems – continues Giovanna Romano – the piles of waste, the wild nightlife, the drug dealing, the illegal market on the weekend, the impassable roads and unsafe, now let’s even write on the walls that tourists must leave… we are committing suicide alone!”
