Sustainable Tourism in Amalfi

            

Old paper mill along path

              The beauty of the Amalfi coast attracts tourists from all over the world to admire the scenic landscapes. It is evident we are visiting in the off season at the moment as restaurants and stores are closed. I can’t help wonder what this city with tiny roads and pathways would look like during a busy tourist season.

              In order for the Amalfi coast to retain its unique community and scenic experience sustainable tourism needs to be the future. Sustainable tourism is when the environment is taken care of in the long run, economically convenient, and fair for the local communities. Amalfi definitely needs to take all three in consideration as they move forward in the future. A great aspect in this area that can attract tourists are the amazing pathways and routes that will take you through beautiful terrain. One such path that my class and I walked on took us by an old paper mill. The hike itself was beautiful, yet I can how hundreds or thousands of people can disrupt the path for others. Sadly, many of these wonderful routes throughout the coasts are in poor condition and are in direly need of maintenance. Even the signs to the routes are tough to spot. The local authorities should take action to improve the routes that many tourists enjoy walking every year.

              The Cinque Terre Coast in Liguria, Italy has taken a unique approach towards sustainable tourism that Amalfi may like to take a look at. In Liguria tourists have to park their cars at the beginning of the coast then either walk or take public transportation throughout the five cities. This enables the roads to be less crowded as well as the giving the locals the opportunity to keep their identity. With the upkeep of the routes around the coast Amalfi can become much more sustainable with its tourism. The preservation of the coast and routes will save history and heritage for the future generations of the local community.

View from path

              The Amalfi coast has a lot to offer due to its many different historical, religious, and natural context in the community. It would be wise for the area to utilize these different type of touristic attractions as economic resources in order to attract people. With that in mind the community also needs to instill sustainable tourism, so the coast is not ruined with unsafe tourism practices.