2024-07-07 02:12:42
Sicily is experiencing a severe drought, which is having a significant impact on tourism and the local economy. The city of Agrigento, famous for its archaeological heritage, has been particularly hard hit, with hotels unable to accommodate tourists due to problems with the water supply.
Agrigento’s ancient aqueducts, which once supported the city, are now running dry, leading to a dire situation where small hotels and guest houses along the coast are forced to turn away tourists. The island has received less than a quarter of its usual rainfall this winter, leaving 20% of its underground water supplies depleted. Water restrictions have been in place since February, when a state of emergency was declared in the region due to the ongoing drought.
Water restrictions have affected more than a million people in 93 communities, with some having to reduce their water consumption by 45%. This has resulted in planned water outages, including at night, making access to water a daily logistical challenge. Potential tourists are hesitant to visit drought-stricken areas, reflecting widespread anxiety and impacting local businesses that rely on tourism.
Hotels are warning potential guests in advance of possible water shortages and helping them book rooms in less affected areas. In the center of Agrigento, where restrictions are most severe, guesthouse owners have installed water-saving filters, but complaints from guests continue.
The regional government has asked Rome for guarantees of water imports, but no concrete plan has emerged. The island suffered devastating fires last year that forced tourists to leave, and now the water shortage adds another layer of anxiety. Local businesses are buying their own water tanks, highlighting the lack of alternative solutions from the authorities.
Earlier, Cursor wrote that they decided to increase the tax for tourists in a popular European city.