Italy's Sirmione deploys "street tutors" to tame tourist chaos

In the age of mass tourism, even the most idyllic destinations can buckle under the weight of their own popularity. That moment arrived for Sirmione — a tiny, sun-drenched peninsula on Italy’s Lake Garda.

The picturesque town of Sirmione on Lake Garda was pushed to its limits during Italy’s extended May Day holiday, when an estimated 45,000 additional visitors overwhelmed the medieval village. Long pedestrian delays and gridlocked traffic on its historic stone bridge forced the town to take action, Caliber.Az reports via The Guardian. 

In response, Sirmione has introduced a novel solution: “street tutors.” Wearing bright yellow vests reading “Keep calm and enjoy,” these guides now patrol the town’s narrow lanes, steering foot traffic and promoting respectful behavior. Their duties include discouraging loitering, asking tourists to dress appropriately, and gently reminding visitors not to block public pathways.

Mayor Luisa Lavelli said that while more radical options—like Venice’s tourist fee—were considered, officials instead opted for a more personal touch. “The village and its visitors merited ‘the human touch,’” she explained.

Sirmione, with only 200 permanent residents, receives over 1.3 million tourists annually, not counting day-trippers. During the recent holiday, foot traffic swelled so dramatically that crossing the bridge into town took up to 40 minutes. Videos of the congestion quickly spread online, sparking criticism and calls for change.

Locals remain divided over whether the tutors will be enough. “The main problem is the cars,” said one resident. “Cars should be totally banned from entering Sirmione.”

Street tutors like Claudia Pagani and Alfredo Pasquali believe in their mission. “It’s always important to do this job with a smile,” said Pagani. For now, they’re offering polite guidance, hopeful that respect and civility will ease the strain.

By Naila Huseynova