Published on
13/08/2026 - 7:00 GMT+2
Standing eight hours per day in an archaeological site with no shade or leading a city tour in temperatures of at least 30C : in the midst of the touristic season and while Europe is facing record-breaking temperatures, several tourist guides warn they are on the frontline during heatwaves.
Last summer, Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian guide died after collapsing while leading a visit of the Colosseum in Rome in scorching heat.
Following her death, the Italian tour guides' associations Federagit and AGTA called for reforms such as updated summer protocols in the cultural tourism sector. But the issue still prevails, including beyond Italian borders.
