US CNN Points Out "Most 'Expensive' Season in History"
Despite High Inflation, US and Asian Tourists Actually Increase
Tourists visiting Europe are venting their frustration over "outrageous" 'rip-off prices'.
On the 20th (local time), US CNN reported that "the summer of 2023 will be recorded as the most 'expensive' season in history," highlighting cases of rip-off prices across Europe, including Italy.
On the 15th, the island of Capri in Campania, southern Italy, was crowded with people. [Photo by EPA·Yonhap News]
According to CNN, Italy's consumer protection agency recently compiled cases related to 'rip-off prices' under the title 'Crazy Receipts,' revealing that prices at Italian tourist spots this summer have risen about 130% compared to before the peak season.
Along the Mediterranean coasts of Italy and Greece, absurd fees are charged for using parasols. Hotels and restaurants in these areas install parasols and sunbeds and charge 120 euros (about 175,000 KRW) for their use. Even sharing an empty plate for food or using a microwave to warm a child's bottle incurs additional fees. There was even a restaurant that charged 2 euros (about 3,000 KRW) just to cut a sandwich in half.
In particular, Italy's consumer protection agency criticized that prices at other Mediterranean tourist destinations such as Albania and Montenegro have surged by about 240% in comparison.
There was even a hotel that charged 60 euros (about 87,000 KRW) for two cups of coffee and two small bottles of water simply because the 'harbor' view was visible from the seat.
Demanding 'rip-off prices' is not limited to Italy. The French regional newspaper Nice-Matin exposed that some restaurants in Saint-Tropez check visitor databases and respond by saying 'reservations are fully booked until early September' to customers who have not spent enough money, effectively screening customers.
Criticism continues online with memes mocking the surge in 'rip-off prices'
Image satirizing Prime Minister Meloni who chose Albania as a vacation destination [Photo by Italian online media 'Open'·Yonhap News]
As high prices and rip-off fees persist, memes mocking the situation are being created online.
Above all, on the 16th (local time), when Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, went on vacation to the small Balkan country of Albania, SNS users mocked that Meloni fled to Albania to enjoy a cheap holiday, fed up with Italy's high prices and rip-off tactics.
Prime Minister Meloni visited Albania for vacation at the invitation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. However, with already high prices and rampant rip-off tactics, complaints have erupted not only from travelers but also within Italy.
As a result, Albania, which offers many low-cost resorts and affordable prices while allowing Italians with limited vacation budgets to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere, is gaining attention as a cost-effective travel destination.
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