Italian Village Bans Day Tourists Over 'Hit and Run' Photography Craze

• Santa Maddalena, a picturesque village in northern Italy, has restricted tourist access due to overtourism driven by social media.
• From May, only residents and visitors staying overnight will be allowed past a barrier, with day-trippers' cars and buses turned back.
• The ban aims to curb the influx of up to 600 daily visitors during peak season, who often cause traffic and disrupt local life.
• Mayor Peter Pernthaler stated the goal is to manage tourist flow for local peace and a better experience for all, not to stop tourism entirely.
• The village gained popularity after its Santa Maddalena Church and nearby Seceda mountain were featured on social media and Apple's iOS-7.

Why It Matters: An Italian village restricts day tourists to combat overtourism and preserve local life from social media-driven crowds.