The Roman archaeological site now aims for sustainability while accommodating increased tourist interest.
**Pompeii Implements Visitor Cap to Enhance Conservation Efforts**
**Pompeii Implements Visitor Cap to Enhance Conservation Efforts**
Pompeii limits daily tourist entries to preserve its archaeological heritage amidst rising visitor numbers.
The archaeological wonder of Pompeii will soon impose a cap on daily visitors, limiting entry to 20,000 individuals starting from November 15. This decision follows a surge in tourist numbers that peaked at 36,000 on a particular Sunday in October, when access was free, as reported by local news outlets.
With nearly four million visitors in 2023 alone—a one-third increase compared to the previous year—Pompeii has become increasingly popular. Visitor figures had been climbing steadily prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Notably, the month of May 2023 recorded a high of approximately 517,000 visitors, translating to around 16,700 daily guests.
The management of Pompeii, which was famously buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, indicated that the visitor cap will likely affect only a few days when the site is exceptionally crowded. According to a spokesperson, the number of tourists exceeded the cap predominantly during free entry days.
Park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel emphasized the necessity of this visitor limit to mitigate the impact on the site's delicate conservation efforts and ensure the safety of both visitors and the historic structures. Despite the growing tourist influx, Pompeii retains about one-third of its area unexplored, arousing considerable interest among archaeologists. Recent discoveries, including stunning frescoes depicting mythological figures and intricately designed mosaics, underscore the site's ongoing archaeological significance.
Entry tickets to Pompeii are currently priced at €18 (£14.90; $19.30), making it accessible for many tourists eager to explore this well-preserved testament to Roman life. The initiative to cap visitors aligns with broader conservation goals while seeking to maintain the historical integrity of Pompeii as it draws increasing global attention.
