The city of Venice in Italy has unveiled new restrictions on tourist groups in an effort to alleviate the strain of mass tourism on this iconic canal city.
Starting from June, groups will be capped at 25 people, approximately half the capacity of a tourist bus. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers, deemed as potential sources of confusion and disturbances, will be prohibited, as stated in an official announcement by the city.
Elisabetta Pesce, the city official responsible for security, explained that these measures are designed to enhance the flow of groups through Venice’s historic center and the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. This move follows previous announcements by the city regarding plans to implement a new day-tripper fee in the current year. The fee, set at 5 euros ($5.45) per person, will be enforced on 29 peak days from April to mid-July, including most weekends. Its purpose is to manage crowds, encourage longer visits, and contribute to an improved quality of life for Venice’s residents.
The impact of tourism on the delicate lagoon city prompted the U.N. cultural agency to consider placing Venice on UNESCO’s list of heritage sites in danger. To address this, the city took steps to limit the entry of large cruise ships through the Giudecca Canal. Furthermore, in September, it introduced the day-tripper charge, initially delayed due to the decline in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully avoiding UNESCO’s list on both occasions.
