Pompeii Imposes Daily Visitor Limit Amid Surge in Tourism

Following a significant increase in visitor numbers, Pompeii will impose a cap of 20,000 daily tourists starting November 15, aiming to balance conservation needs with public interest.

The famed Roman archaeological site of Pompeii, known for its well-preserved ruins from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is set to limit the number of daily visitors to 20,000 due to an unprecedented surge in tourism. In early October, local media reported that an astonishing 36,000 tourists flocked to the site on a promotional day of free entry. As a result, the management of the park announced the new limit, effective from November 15, with the hope of maintaining a sustainable visitor experience.

In 2023, Pompeii attracted nearly four million visitors, reflecting a significant one-third increase compared to the previous year. This surge follows a gradual rise in attendance that began before the COVID-19 pandemic, with recent numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels. For instance, October 2024 alone saw over 480,000 visitors, averaging approximately 15,500 each day. The peak month was May of this year, which drew around 517,000 individuals, translating to an average of about 16,700 visitors daily.

According to park officials, the new visitor cap is expected to result in only a handful of tourists being turned away on peak days. This limitation is mainly applicable during free entry days, which typically occur on the first Sunday of each month, along with a few other busy periods. Park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel emphasized the importance of curbing visitor impact for both conservation efforts and the safety of the ancient site.

Pompeii continues to captivate not only tourists but also archaeologists, with about a third of the site still unexcavated. The site offers invaluable insights into daily Roman life, and recent archaeological finds, including stunning frescoes depicting mythical figures, further enhance its significance. Tickets for entry to Pompeii begin at €18 (approximately $19.30), inviting more visitors to explore the remarkable remnants of history.