Venice is set to implement new regulations, effective from June, aimed at mitigating the impact of mass tourism on the iconic Italian city.
The measures include a ban on loudspeakers, which can cause “confusion and disturbances,” and restrictions on tourist groups exceeding 25 people.
Over-tourism has become a pressing concern for Venice, and these efforts follow the approval of a trial €5 fee for daily visitors in September.
The city, spanning just 7.6 sq km, hosted nearly 13 million tourists in 2019, with numbers expected to rise post-pandemic, prompting measures to address the strain on the historic city.
The latest policies, overseen by Elisabetta Pesce, focus on enhancing the management of organized groups within the historic center.
Amid the challenges posed by over-tourism, an increasing number of Venice residents are opting to relocate to escape the potential overwhelm caused by tourists.
Citizen associations are actively monitoring available beds for both tourists and residents.
The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faced a potential listing as endangered due to climate change and mass tourism impacts, though it was ultimately spared.
Venice joins other European destinations in adopting measures, such as entry fees and fines, to address the adverse effects of excessive tourism.