Swiss region to charge "cell phone tourists" for scenic views
9:38 AM EDT, May 21, 2024
The authorities of the Swiss municipality of Lauterbrunnen have announced plans to follow Venice's example by charging tourists for admiring its breathtaking views.
Lauterbrunnen is a unique locale in Switzerland, renowned for its stunning landscape where tall mountains meet verdant valleys and shimmering waterfalls. Unsurprisingly, both the trails and the town are bustling with tourists during peak season.
Lauterbrunnen aims to address the issue of day-trippers
In the summer, Lauterbrunnen hosts up to 8,000 visitors per day. The challenge for local residents is not the sheer number of visitors but the prevalence of day-trippers who do not financially contribute to the town during their stay.
The mayor refers to such guests as "cell phone tourists," who briefly stop in the town to take pictures with the waterfall and then leave.
The municipality is grappling with the impact of mass tourism. Residents express frustration with visitors who trespass on private properties for better photo angles, litter, and disregard local laws and the environment. To exacerbate the situation, these tourists do not support the local economy.
The fee will exclude those who financially support the town
The authorities of Lauterbrunnen are contemplating an entry fee ranging from 5 to 10 Swiss francs (about $5.50 - $11).
However, the fee will not apply to tourists who stay overnight in the town, purchase tours organized by local travel agencies, or visitors arriving in Lauterbrunnen by public transportation. It remains unclear when the entrance fee will come into effect.
