New regulations to manage overtourism in the historic city will be implemented in June
Venice has now announced a new measure to tackle mass tourism and overcrowding of tourists. And in a bid to tackle these challenges, Venice has announced stringent measures, intending to limit tourist walking groups to 25 people and ban the use of loudspeakers.
These new regulations, which are slated to be enforced in June 2024, extend to the historic centre and the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello.
As per the proposed rules, tourist groups exceeding 25 people, will be prohibited from entering the city. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers, deemed disruptive and potentially causing confusion, will be banned. These measures aim to enhance the management of tourist groups, and will contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious tourism experience while ensuring protection and safety of the city.
Referring to this, Security Councillor Elisabetta Pesce emphasised the significance of these measures in improving group management and promoting sustainable tourism. She highlighted the city’s commitment to strike a balance between the needs of the residents and those of the visitors, while acknowledging the need to maintain the delicate balance between tourism and the local community.
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This move comes in the wake of the introduction of a trial visitors fee of €5 ($5.40) for day trippers to the city, which will remain in place two months before the implementation of the new regulations. The fee is part of a comprehensive strategy and is aimed at addressing the challenges associated with excessive tourism in Venice.
Also as reported earlier, Venice museums have already been limiting group sizes to 25 people, indicating a gradual shift toward more controlled and responsible tourism practices. These measures align with the broader framework outlined by Simone Venturini, the city’s tourism councillor, who called for the need for interventions to enhance tourism management and prioritise the well-being of both residents and visitors.
The city’s struggle with the adverse effects of mass tourism had earlier gained international attention, leading UNESCO to recommend that Venice be added to its heritage danger list. UNESCO urged the Italian Government to make dedicated efforts in addressing long-standing issues within the city, while emphasising the importance of safeguarding Venice’s unique cultural heritage.
Venice’s latest measures signify a proactive approach to the challenges posed by mass tourism. By restricting group sizes, banning disruptive practices, and implementing a visitors fee, the city aims to strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the preservation of its cultural and environmental integrity. These efforts align with global calls for responsible tourism practices and the protection of UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
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