Are there too many tourists? A visitor to Italy could go to jail after writing his name on an ancient building. Some say the world would be better without any tourists.
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UK tourist faces jail for Colosseum carving
Are there too many tourists? A visitor to Italy could go to jail after writing his name on an ancient building. Some say the world would be better without any tourists.
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What's happening?
The ColosseumA vast stadium built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiatorial contests and even mock sea battles. is a building in the Italian city of Rome. It is nearly 2,000 years old. Today, more than six million people visit the Colosseum each year. Now, one of them is in big trouble. Ivan could go to prison for up to five years or have to pay a big fineAn amount of money someone must pay when they have done something illegal or broken a rule. for writing his name on the wall of the building.
Many countries need money from touristsSomebody who is travelling to enjoy themselves. . They spend money on hotels, food and tickets to famous places.
But are too many sight-seers doing more harm than good? Ivan is not the only tourist who has found themselves in trouble. A French tourist paid a fine after taking away Italian sand.
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Some are also worried about "overtourism". VeniceA seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands. has banned cruise ships. They say the large ships are damaging the ancientVery old. city.
In a letter saying sorry to Rome's mayor, Ivan said he did not know how old the Colosseum was.
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Are there too many tourists?
Yes! Big crowds harm ancient sites and the planet. They make life worse for the people that live nearby. No one can enjoy beautiful places when there are too many people.
No! The world needs tourism. Tourists bring money and jobs to places around the world. And everybody should be able to enjoy beautiful and interesting places.
Keywords
Colosseum - A vast stadium built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiatorial contests and even mock sea battles.
Fine - An amount of money someone must pay when they have done something illegal or broken a rule.
Tourists - Somebody who is travelling to enjoy themselves.
Venice - A seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands.
Ancient - Very old.
UK tourist faces jail for Colosseum carving
Ivan the terrible tourist? The sightseer wrote a letter of apology to Rome's mayor. Glossary
Colosseum - A vast stadium built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiatorial contests and even mock sea battles.
Fine - An amount of money someone must pay when they have done something illegal or broken a rule.
Tourists - Somebody who is travelling to enjoy themselves.
Venice - A seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands.
Ancient - Very old.