Venice takes another step in its unique battle against the city's excessive number of tourists. This hot summer, it has introduced new rules for travellers visiting the famous city in northern Italy. The new regulations, in effect from 1st to 31st August, limit organised groups to a maximum of 25 people and ban the use of loudspeakers, including those used by tour guides.
Farewell to the hordes of tourists crowding St Mark's Square behind a guide. The maximum number of tourists per group cannot exceed 25 people. This is stipulated by the new legislation issued by the municipal tourism department.
The new rules also establish that tour guides are prohibited from using loudspeakers, and the use of an audio guide is mandatory for groups larger than 10 people. But that’s not all. It has also been introduced that accompanied groups are not allowed to stop in places such as bridges or access ramps to avoid obstructing pedestrian circulation.
“These measures have been introduced to better balance the tourist use of the city with the needs of those who live here,” said Venice’s Tourism Councillor, Simone Venturini. “The council is committed to enhancing the quality of group tourism in Venice, reducing the stress caused by an excessive flow of pedestrians in certain areas, which impacts the quality of life for residents and workers,” added Venturini.
Last April, the City Council launched a unique and singular measure for entry into the city, with the introduction of a tourist tax to visit it. Between 24th April and 14th July, it managed to raise 2.2 million euros, exceeding all expectations.
During this period, 437,814 tourists paid the fee, and more than 1.3 million visitors stayed in Venice on those days. For Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, the initiative was “a success,” and they are ready to repeat it, with the idea of doubling the cost from 5 to 10 euros for those booking at the last minute.
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