Spain-Italy border spat threatens Campania's summer travel

Spain announced Friday that it would introduce border controls for travellers arriving from Italy in retaliation for Rome imposing similar measures, France 24 reported. The rare spat between the EU nations came after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco to Spain's North African territory Ceuta in an unprecedented, deadly rush.

The Spanish government has given Rome until Sunday to restore passport-free travel and put an end to the crackdown instituted amid the Ceuta crisis, Politico Europe reported. Italy, however, says it will continue its temporary suspension of Schengen until at least August 15.

For Campania, the dispute lands at the worst possible moment. August is the peak of the tourist season, and thousands of visitors from across Europe — including Spain — pass through Naples' airport and port on their way to the Amalfi coast, Pompeii and the islands of the Gulf.