Page 261 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

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zone to halt and reverse development in fieldwork was conducted at the site of the Gran
increasingly hazardous locations. Cono. Access to the site is via a narrow and poorly
However, particularly in the early years after signposted road, that winds its way up through
its creation, the national park authorities discovered Ercolano municipality to a point around 1000m
that the touristic activities in and around Vesuvius above sea level. At this location the track widens
were taken out of their control and managed out to a car park where cars, coaches and taxis
entirely by one company, in some way linked to stop. After paying at the entrance gate visitors
the agricultural ministry. For an annual contract carry on by foot up a broad newly resurfaced path.
thought to be around 15,000 euros, this company No public transport goes up to this area and
was allowed to collect all takings (personal coaches tend to bring their own guides linked
communications with Vesuvius National Park, with the respective tours. Thus, very little contact
2008). Entrance fees just to the Gran Cono are and no commercial advantage is gained by the
currently 6.5 euros for adults and 4.5 euros for local community from the tourists passing through.
under 18s and students (personal observation). From personal observations made during
With over a million visitors annually passing excursions in 2008 and 2009 around the Gran
through this entry point, this adds up to a very Cono, the input by the management company
substantial profit for the management company. back into infrastructure around Vesuvius is also
limited. Interpretation of the volcano and
Perspectives on the current information concerning the geo-hazards plus
state of tourism around details of the emergency plan were more or less
Vesuvius non-existent. All that could be seen was a basic
map showing the route of the path up to the
In order to view directly how the volcano was crater rim; portable toilet units at the entrance
being presented under this management scheme, gate; a café/souvenir shop at the entrance gate;

Figure 16.2 ‘Volcanological’ guides offering tour guide services near Vesuvius crater rim

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