In a recent survey by Le vie del gusto magazine with Italy’s local mayors, it’s been revealed that despite the importance of tourism to the national economy, the relationship between local Italians and tourists in Italy is often fraught.
The number one complaint that locals have over tourists is the inappropriate clothing worn by most visitors who behave like they’re permanently on the beach or the board walk – wearing swimming costumes in restaurants or walking down the street shirtless.
There are also complaints about nighttime disturbances and the consumption of alcohol and a concern over general uncivil behaviour.
According to Italy’s local mayors, tourists don’t respect the cities that host them, ignoring procedures for the correct disposal of rubbish and expecting that they can drive their cars everywhere, thus congesting the city roads with unnecessary traffic.
A particularly interesting statement about local citizens though, and I’m sure many tourists (Italians included) have experienced this, is that 36 percent of locals can’t stand visitors or at the very least, ignore them!
