Venice is introducing measures to address the challenges posed by mass tourism, including a ban on loudspeakers and restrictions on large tourist groups exceeding 25 people. The new rules, set to take effect from June 1, are part of the city’s efforts to manage over-tourism and protect residents from disturbances.
The ban on loudspeakers is intended to prevent confusion and disturbances caused by amplified audio in crowded areas. Venice has long grappled with the impact of tourism on its delicate ecosystem and historic sites, prompting the introduction of various measures to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the city’s cultural and environmental integrity.
In September, the city approved a trial fee of €5 for daily visitors, an initiative aimed at generating revenue while managing the influx of tourists. The latest rules will apply to the city center and nearby islands, including Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Elisabetta Pesce, the official responsible for the city’s security, emphasized that these policies are designed to enhance the management of organized groups in the historic center, contributing to more sustainable tourism. The move comes as Venice grapples with the challenges of being a popular European tourist destination, hosting nearly 13 million visitors in 2019 despite its small size of 7.6 sq km.
The new measures are expected to address concerns related to noise and overcrowding while promoting a more sustainable approach to tourism. Venice’s delicate ecosystem and historical significance have led to calls for increased protection, with UNESCO even suggesting that the city be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to mass tourism and climate change impacts.
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