Twenty-six volcanological guides certified by the Campania Region report that they are still stuck at roadblocks, unable to carry out their activities on trail number 5 of the Gran Cono del Vesuvio, despite the new regional legislation recognizing their full right to operate. The case was raised by Gennaro Balzano, president of the association "Presidio permanente vulcano campani," who describes the situation as "paradoxical and seriously detrimental not only to the rights of the professionals involved, but above all to the public interest, the safety of visitors, and the overall quality of tourist services offered in one of Europe's most important natural sites."
The issue has its roots in the reform approved by the Campania Region last July, which overturned the old limited-access system in place for nearly thirty years. "Almost thirty years after the last competition," Balzano explains, "the Campania Region has approved the resolution expanding the number of volcanological guides operating at the permanent Vesuvius facility, in response to growing tourist traffic and increased safety requirements." This measure was supposed to open the doors to new guides, but in reality, according to the association, has yet to have any concrete effects on the ground.
Balzano points the finger at the current situation at the crater, where 37 guides historically work. "They remain intent on maintaining their monopoly on work and finances," he states, "by challenging the new regional law before the Regional Administrative Court and warning the new volcanological guides not to operate on trail number 5." Meanwhile, according to the association, the Vesuvius National Park Authority, as the managing body, has yet to provide official responses. "Despite the new law and following explicit requests, no response has been received," the president emphasizes.
The complaint goes beyond job protection and touches on the safety and quality of hospitality. "It's not only a clear impediment to the employment of the additional 26 volcanological guides," Balzano concludes, "but it also encourages the continuation of a guided tour service that is unsuitable for the importance of the site, given the over 700 visitors who choose to visit the crater of Vesuvius each year." This protest refocuses attention on the management of one of Campania's iconic sites, caught between tourism promotion, regulations, and internal tensions within the industry.
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Comments (1)
It's sad to see volcanological guides unable to work despite new laws. The situation is complicated, and it seems no one is listening to their requests to improve visitor safety and the quality of services.