Venice has unveiled plans to restrict the size of tourist groups in an effort to alleviate the strain of overwhelming crowds in its iconic squares, bridges, and narrow pathways. Starting from June, groups visiting the historic Italian canal city will be capped at 25 people, approximately half the capacity of a typical tourist bus, according to a recent announcement by city officials. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers, commonly employed by tour groups but deemed disruptive, will be prohibited in Venice and its neighboring islands.
Elisabetta Pesce, responsible for security in Venice, emphasized that these measures aim to enhance the movement of groups within the historical center and popular islands like Murano, Burano, and Torcello. The decision reflects a commitment to protect residents and efficiently manage the influx of visitors exploring the city.
Venice has long grappled with the challenges posed by mass tourism, with landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Square attracting millions of day-trippers annually. In 2022, around 3.2 million people stayed overnight in Venice's historic center, while the total number of yearly visitors surpassed 30 million.
Recognizing the impact of tourism on its delicate environment, Venice has taken several steps to mitigate its effects. Initially, the city restricted the entry of large cruise ships through the Giudecca canal, redirecting them to an industrial port. In September, Venice introduced a day-tripper charge, with a €5 fee to enter the historic center during a 30-day trial period spread across spring and summer. Certain exemptions, including residents, commuters, students, children under 14, and overnight tourists, will apply.
These measures follow protests by Venetians against the perceived negative effects of tourism on their quality of life, the environment, and the city's demographics. Despite fluctuations in visitor numbers due to events like severe flooding in 2019 and the disruptions caused by the 2020 Covid pandemic, Venice continues to grapple with the challenges associated with its immense popularity among tourists.