Tourist Surge and Chaos Follow TikToker's Promotional Video at Italy's Roccaraso Ski Resort
A viral video from TikTok influencer Rita De Crescenzo sparks an influx of 10,000 visitors to the snow-scarce resort, causing overcrowding and litter.
A viral promotional video posted by TikTok influencer Rita De Crescenzo led to an unexpected surge of tourists at Italy’s Roccaraso ski resort on Sunday.
The ski destination, usually attracting 20,000 skiers and 15,000 other visitors on a typical winter weekend, was overwhelmed by an additional 10,000 tourists.
The influx, driven by De Crescenzo’s video, which garnered over one million views, left the slopes snow-scarce, with overcrowded parking lots and chaotic traffic.
Images showed litter scattered across the resort, including garbage buried in the snow.
Some visitors set up barbecues and fires on the slopes, while public areas were marred by reports of inappropriate behavior, including public urination.
The town’s 1,500 residents were unprepared for the overwhelming number of visitors.
Roccaraso’s mayor, Francesco di Donato, noted that the situation created significant security risks.
Many tourists, especially those traveling from Naples, had bought low-cost one-day trips for as little as 20 euros through travel agencies and TikTok ads.
While some residents blamed De Crescenzo for the crowding, she defended her actions, stating she was not responsible for the buses blocking roads and suggesting that more tourists could visit in the following weeks due to her viral promotion.
The ski destination, usually attracting 20,000 skiers and 15,000 other visitors on a typical winter weekend, was overwhelmed by an additional 10,000 tourists.
The influx, driven by De Crescenzo’s video, which garnered over one million views, left the slopes snow-scarce, with overcrowded parking lots and chaotic traffic.
Images showed litter scattered across the resort, including garbage buried in the snow.
Some visitors set up barbecues and fires on the slopes, while public areas were marred by reports of inappropriate behavior, including public urination.
The town’s 1,500 residents were unprepared for the overwhelming number of visitors.
Roccaraso’s mayor, Francesco di Donato, noted that the situation created significant security risks.
Many tourists, especially those traveling from Naples, had bought low-cost one-day trips for as little as 20 euros through travel agencies and TikTok ads.
While some residents blamed De Crescenzo for the crowding, she defended her actions, stating she was not responsible for the buses blocking roads and suggesting that more tourists could visit in the following weeks due to her viral promotion.
