In an effort to alleviate the strain of mass tourism on Venice, the iconic Italian city has unveiled new regulations targeting tourist groups. Starting this June, group sizes will be capped at 25 people, approximately half the capacity of a typical tourist bus. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers, deemed potential sources of confusion and disturbance, will be strictly prohibited, according to a city statement.
Elisabetta Pesce, the official overseeing security in Venice, emphasized that these measures aim to enhance the flow of groups through the historic center and popular islands like Murano, Burano, and Torcello. The city had previously announced plans to introduce a day-tripper fee of 5 euros ($5.45) per person on 29 peak days between April and mid-July, including weekends. This fee is designed to regulate crowds, encourage longer visits, and enhance the overall quality of life for Venice residents.
Recognizing the impact of tourism on the city, UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency, had considered placing Venice on its list of heritage sites in danger. To mitigate this risk, Venice previously restricted large cruise ship arrivals through the Giudecca Canal and, in September, introduced the delayed day-tripper charge, which had initially faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic-related tourism decline.
