by India Today World Desk: The trend of banning tourists from taking selfies is spreading across European destinations. The local administration in Hallstatt, Austria, has put up temporary barriers to block the views of tourists and prevent them from taking selfies. According to media reports, Hallstatt’s mayor said that residents of the city want to live alone and have little or no intrusion from passers-by or outsiders.
Hallstatt’s breathtaking backdrop of picturesque Austrian peaks is said to have inspired the fictional village of Arendelle in Disney’s animated film Frozen. Reports suggest that around one million tourists throng the destination every year, with lots seeking to click selfies with the stunning views. However, the city has recently installed wooden slabs as fences to prevent visitors from taking selfies.
Read this also | Joe Biden, furious over PM Modi’s popularity, said- ‘I should take your autograph’
While the preventive measure was widely shared and criticized on social media, the move is said to please locals as it will prevent disruption of sightseeing by outsiders and “too much noise”. Will stop
Hallstatt’s mayor, Alexander Schütz, said that he intended to put up a banner to keep the peace with the tourists while keeping local residents in mind. With loosened Covid-related norms, visitor numbers are on the rise and the Austrian city is aiming to check overtourism. Until now, the Hallstatt administration imposed a limit on the number of vehicles, buses and cars entering the city each day.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hallstatt, also known for salt mining, showcases traditional properties that sit against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and Lake Hallstatt. However, it’s not the only European destination that wants to ban tourists from taking selfies, and the city of Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, has implemented similar rules. The city introduced no-waiting zones, as well as punitive fines for those found hanging around the wharf or pier for too long.
Read this also | No T-shirts, jeans, leggings: Assam announces dress code for government school teachers