Ischia struggles to balance tourism with traditional identity

The island of Ischia is facing a tension between its traditional agricultural identity and the pressures of modern mass tourism. While tourism has transformed the local economy, it has also threatened the connection between local villages and the artisanal activities that once sustained them year-round.

In an effort to preserve Mediterranean liquor traditions, Alessandro Buono and his wife Anna founded Distillerie Aragonesi in 2016. The project focuses on researching and promoting small-scale distillation practices that are at risk of disappearing. Their work includes sourcing unique products, such as fig liqueurs from the Algarve, to help local artisans find international markets.

Simultaneously, the island struggles with the logistical consequences of high visitor numbers. Issues such as suffocating traffic, urban sprawl, and the inadequacy of current infrastructure highlight the difficulty of balancing economic growth from tourism with the preservation of the island's environmental and social quality of life.