Sardinia has introduced a new rule for the mooring of “recreational vessels” which could lead tourists open to the possibility of being hit with huge fines
A popular holiday destination has brought in new rules that could see tourists slapped with huge fines of up to £1160.
Sardinia, the second largest Italian island in the Mediterranean, has several rules with one new one impacting tourists who enjoy the waters around the island. It restricts overnight stays in La Maddalena Park with anchoring now prohibited between 9pm and 8am for all recreational activities. These include water vessels used for rentals, leases, diving and snorkelling. Stays overnight have been restricted with skippers only able to use mooring buoys installed by the Park Authority – which act as a temporary floating anchor point. These are not suitable for any boat more than 15 metres.
Not only that, but recreational vessels owned by locals and firms whose legal headquarters have been located there for at least five years are also restricted by this rule. The only way these vessels can be moored at buoy fields is under a Only under a maritime state concession – a contract between a private enterprise for a specific activity.
During 9.30am and 5pm, you can’t use use mooring buoys designated for passenger transport vessels for any recreational boats, yachts, or ships either, according to BirminghamLive. It comes as Italy is considering slapping holidaymakers with an extra fee for every night they stay, amidst a heated debate among lawmakers over potential tax hikes on hotel rooms.
The decision stems from concerns that excessive tourism may be driving locals away and changing the fabric of Italian cities. Tourism Minister Daniele Santanche took to Twitter with some thoughts on the matter, stating: “In times of over-tourism, we are debating this so that it really helps improve services and make tourists who pay it more responsible.”
Reports say that the charges currently at €1 (£0.84) to €5 (£4.21) per person nightly might skyrocket to €25 (£21). The Financial Times notes that under the new scheme, plush hotels would face the brunt of the £21 peak tariff. The Telegraph offers further insight into the tiered system, detailing that rooms priced under €100 (£84) would remain at a €5 (£4.21) fee per person each night.
Charges for rooms in the €100-€399 (£335) range would double to €10 (£8.42), while those staying in €400 (£336)-€749 (£630) accommodations would face a €15 (£12.63) nightly charge.
Barbara Casillo, director of Italian hotel chain Confindustria Alberghi, warned in an interview with local media: “We must tread very carefully. If we scare travellers who come to us by giving the impression that we want to take what we can, we are not doing a good service to the country.”
Tourism is a significant contributor to Italy’s economy, accounting for approximately six percent of the nation’s GDP, with around 60 million tourists visiting in 2023 alone. It remains uncertain when the new proposal will be put to a vote in the Italian parliament.
