Catania tightens rules on unlicensed tour guides to protect cultural

Catania tightens rules on unlicensed tour guides

The Municipality of Catania has announced increased checks on individuals who lead tourist groups at coach parking areas and cultural sites. The aim is to verify professional credentials and prevent unfair competition against licensed guides.

• Who decided: the measure was announced by local police assessor Carmelo Coppolino and commander Diego Peruga, during the Culture and Tourism commission chaired by Erika Bonaccorsi.
• Where: inspections will take place at coach parking zones and at both free and ticketed cultural sites, including municipal locations such as Palazzo degli Elefanti.
• Why: reports of people guiding groups without registration in the professional register and, in some cases, receiving payment; the Municipality cites a risk of unfair competition.
• Reactions: the association Catania Historica, mentioned among the cases, defends itself by stressing its non‑profit cultural walks and the right of associations to organise open educational activities.
• Context: recent visitor numbers — for instance at the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ancient Theatre — indicate that promotion and site management remain key challenges for the city’s tourism.

The Municipality’s approach aims to balance visitor protection and professional standards with the ability of non‑profit cultural groups to foster public knowledge of Catania’s heritage, provided regulations and sector safeguards are observed.