Venice to limit large tourist groups, loudspeakers
Planning a trip to Venice, Italy this year? You might have to reconsider. Starting in June, Venice will enforce new regulations to combat the effects of mass tourism on the historic city. These measures include banning loudspeakers and capping tourist groups at 25 people. The goal is to better manage tourist groups in the city center while promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring the protection and safety of Venice.
The ban aims at protecting the residents
Elisabetta Pesce, the official in charge of Venice's security was quoted saying that these policies are "aimed at improving the management of groups organized in the historic center." She emphasized the importance of "the need to protect residents" and effectively managing visitor traffic throughout the city, including popular islands like Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Due to damage caused by the high level of tourism, UNESCO recommended that Venice be added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.
Venice's struggle with overtourism
Venice, a top European destination, has struggled with overtourism for years. In 2019, the Italian National Statistics Institute reported nearly 13 million tourists visited the city. As visitor numbers are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in the coming years, more residents are leaving Venice due to concerns about being overwhelmed by tourists. In an attempt to keep itself off the danger list, Venice has been taking steps to lessen the influence of tourists.
Previous measures to address tourism impact
Overtourism and overdevelopment are the primary threats to the Italian hotspot, according to a report released by the UN cultural organization UNESCO in the summer of 2023. To alleviate tourism pressure, Venice previously banned large cruise ships from entering its historic center via the Giudecca Canal. Adding to measures, a 5 Euro (Rs. 460) fee for daily visitors was introduced last September.
People have protested against the tourism industry
People of Venice have protested against the tourism industry, claiming it has negatively affected their quality of life, harmed the environment, and has driven residents away. Studies are being carried out by citizen associations to track the availability of beds for both residents and visitors. Last fall, the number of tourist beds on Venice's main island exceeded the number of year-round residents for the first time.
