Hyper-tourism is now a matter of urgency, even in places that essentially make a living from the industry. Among the places that have a problem with tourism is Sardinia. A few seasons ago he introduced regulations to control overcrowding on the world famous beaches. These include limited access, advance booking and a towel ban.
Now, some experts and tourism operators are trying to expand the image of the island from a mainly sea and sun destination, which consolidates its tourist season in a few months. They say this will make tourism more sustainable and profitable, although everything from restaurant seasons to flight schedules will have to change, reports Fortune, asking if the changes will work for this resort?
Sardinia imposes visitor caps and a towel ban on beaches
Dozens of beaches in Sardinia now place a ceiling on visitors. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu in the north-east reduced the number of visitors to 1,447 and 3,352, respectively, between 15 June and 15 September. At Cala Mariolu, a little further south, only 700 people are allowed each day.
Some places require beachgoers to reserve their spot online before arriving. Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina in the La Maddalena archipelago have a limit of 60 people per day and guests must book in advance and pay €3 per person for access to the beaches with a guidebook.
Today, some areas of the coast are completely off limits. The famous pink beach on the remote island of Bundeli is only visible from boats anchored in the distance.
Other special rules have been applied. The communities of Santa Teresa di Gallura and Sant’Antioco banned the use of rocks to secure beach umbrellas, and violators were fined 500 euros. And in the province of Olbia, the mayor banned night swimming, beach camping, bonfires and the use of chairs and towels at night to curb all-night parties.
Pelosa Beach has banned towels, which add extra sand, and asks visitors to bring mats. There is a beach limit of 1,500 and a fee of €3.50. 
Travel experts want to make tourism in Sardinia more sustainable
Sardinia is marketed as a summer destination for sea and sun, which means not only that beach regulations are needed, but that much of the island’s ‘off season’ potential is being realised.
Sardinia’s new regional tourism councillor, Franco Koutsourentou, recently spoke to the press about his “de-seasonalisation” vision for the island as a holiday destination.
He says that the island is often compared to the Maldives, but that “the people who come to Sardinia have a wider range of options and above all they are able to enjoy the destination , even when they aren’t exactly beach days”.
It wants to highlight the region’s food and wine, archaeological sites and villages, as well as slow and experiential tourism, such as hiking, cycling or sporting events.
“There is still a large number of visitors in July and August. We must aim to get more occupancy from our facilities in the remaining periods when, unlike Italians, foreigners travel more,” he told the Italian press. 
Additional flights
One of the biggest challenges in implementing these changes is improving off-season flights.
“Thanks to the exemption granted by the European Community, the Sardinian Region will be able to invest 30 million euros over the next three years to strengthen air links on an international scale, not in Europe, in the low season.” Koutourendou emphasized.
“Therefore, we imagine new flights to Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero not only from Europe but also from America and Asia, especially from the Gulf region.”
Authorities should work together with tourism businesses to ensure that there are still options during the off-season, as many of Sardinia’s most iconic restaurants and clubs only open in the summer months.
Zuma, a descendant of the Japanese restaurants such as Izakaya located on the Costa Smeralda, has a slate roof, meaning the building cannot be used in bad weather, although clubs such as Phi Beach and Ritual are mostly outdoors. more.
But Koutsourendou is confident the changes will pay off. “Sardinia is not lacking in luxury tourism,” he said, “we just have to fill beds outside the peak season.”
Source: ot.gr