Agrigento, a city perched on a hill on the Sicilian island, has long been a paradise for tourists. However, beneath its archaeological marvels, including the renowned 'Valley of the Temples,' lies a labyrinth of ancient aqueducts that are now drying up. This water scarcity has reached a critical point, forcing small hotels and guesthouses along the coast to turn away tourists.
With less than a quarter of the usual winter rainfall, about 20 percent of Sicily's underground water wells are in a state of scarcity. The region declared a state of emergency in February, enforcing water restrictions that have significantly impacted both tourism and agriculture—two crucial sectors of the island's economy.
Water rationing affects over a million people in 93 communities, with some reducing water consumption by up to 45 percent. The taps are turned off according to a fixed schedule, and water supply is completely cut off at night. This has led tourists to question whether visiting the drought-affected areas is worthwhile.
Hotels are warning potential customers of possible shortages and helping visitors rebook elsewhere on the island where restrictions are less severe. Guesthouses in the historic centers, like 'La Cinque Novella' in Agrigento, have installed water-saving filters, but guests still often complain. 'The situation affects the entire hospitality industry,' says Giovanni Lopez, a guesthouse owner.
The regional government has sought guarantees from Rome for water imports, but no concrete aid plan has materialized. Last year's severe fires had already disrupted tourism, and now the water shortage adds another layer of concern. 'The summer season is coming and we are worried,' says a restaurant owner in Agrigento.
Nicola Perugio, president of the Hotel Association of Sicily, notes that smaller establishments struggle to store enough water to meet demand. Francesco Piccarella, head of Agrigento's hotel association, attributes the crisis to decades of mismanagement. 'The problem today is the result of a failed water management policy that has been going on for 20 years,' he says.
The situation is exacerbated by an extreme drought that has gripped Sicily. Unusually mild winter temperatures and a subsequent heatwave have left water supplies for both humans and animals dwindling rapidly. The Sicilian Agricultural Meteorological Service reports that the little rain that has fallen quickly evaporated.
The island's authorities issued water-saving measures for over 93 municipalities in March. Rome sent an aid package of 20 million euros, significantly less than the 130 million euros demanded by the regional government. Christian Mulder, a professor of ecology and climate protection, warns that by 2030, a third of the island could become desert-like.
The agricultural economy is already suffering, with significant losses in wine and fruit production. The tourism sector is also feeling the pinch, as smaller guesthouses lack water and authorities turn off taps for large parts of the day. Despite the dire circumstances, there is no official travel warning for Sicily, leaving tourists in a quandary.
- Sicily's ongoing drought and water shortage have reached a critical point, affecting both tourism and agriculture. The island's authorities have implemented water-saving measures, but the situation remains dire.
- The regional government has sought assistance from Rome, but the aid provided has been insufficient to address the crisis. Local businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, are struggling to cope with the water scarcity.
- The agricultural sector is experiencing significant losses, with wine and fruit production particularly hard hit. The tourism industry is also suffering, as water shortages force hotels and guesthouses to turn away visitors.
- Experts warn that the situation could worsen in the coming years, with predictions that a third of the island could become desert-like by 2030. The island's authorities are under pressure to find long-term solutions to the water crisis.
