From this month onwards the word tourist has been abolished in Barga. From this month hence, the key word will be guest or visitor.
Barga has for many years been proud of its status as a slow city and the way it welcomes visitors to the city. They are welcomed as guests to be looked after, cared for and welcomed once again once they return. … and return they do as very few visitors arrive just once.
For many years the administration, agriturismi, events organisers and local journalists have been actively promoting the concept of what has gradually become known as “intelligent tourism” as one of the ways of surviving the worst effects of the world recession, the slump in manufacturing industry in Italy in general and the obvious problems now starting to affect some of the industries in this area. Their aim was to increase the amount of visitors coming to the area, bringing sorely needed revenue but without damaging any of the local infrastructure and hopefully still maintain local pride and integrity with the way of life here, the speed of life and a joy of living life inside this vibrant and working community.
Over the past few years the word “tourist” has taken on a slightly different meaning gradually becoming almost interchangeable with the word “consumer” especially when we’re talking about mass tourism.
There is little doubt in most people’s minds that mass tourism in its most brutal form would not be welcome in this area – The San Gimignano effect
This morning the town hall took one step further when they officially abolished the word “tourist” from all of their future speeches and written articles. From now on they will be using the word “guest” or “visitor” when describing people who arrive in the city.
Some people might find this political correctness gone mad but for most when asked about the change replied that it seemed the right thing to do and apart from anything else was a much more elegant way of describing tourists.
So, what do the readers of giornaledibarganews think of this ? The Comment Box is below.
I have nothing against the word tourist, in my humble opinion, however, the word “foreigner” (straniero/a)should be avoided.
Why not simply bend to reality and call them all “Scozzese?”
What would Heidi and I be called when we come back, (in the middle of the winter no less)?
Nuovo Scozzese?
I replied in Italian to the article written by Luca on the same topic. To be quite honest with you what difference does it make ? I presume that the Local Tourist office will be called the Local Visitors or Guest Office then from now on ? I really do think the Town Hall should concentrate more on how to increase the number of tourists … or visitors …. or guests, on how they are welcomed to the city and the services they should offer all year round rather than avoiding their responsibilities by simply changing the terminology.
It’s great that attention is being drawn to this issue before it’s too late. “The San Gimignano Effect” (I love it), never heard the term before but it’s meaning is well-understood. In Chicago we’d call it the “Wisconsin Dells-ification” (rubber Indian tomahawks stamped “Made in China”).
It’s a difficult balance: nurturing tourism, oops, visitor-ism, without allowing it to change our character, integrity, sense of self. I know Barga is up to the task.
Great Article. Thanks for putting this concern into print to bring greater attention and future discussion.
Just to bring the discussion up to date. Assessore Giovanetti Gabriele corrected me. Visitors (visitatori) is the official line as guests (ospiti) suggests that they don’t have to pay!!
The tourist information office is officially the Ufficio Informazione e Accoglienza (welcoming!!) Turistica.
Frank is letting his Scottofobia show! (italian spelling)
“Non si paga! Non si paga!” Come direbbe Dario Fo.
I think the whole issue is getting a little out of hand !
Is this confusion intentional perhaps ? To conclude Veltroni therefore was a guest(ospite)or a simple visitor ?