Venice bans large tourist groups and loudspeakers in latest crackdown

Venice has banned loudspeakers and groups of more than 25 tourists in its latest measures aiming to end overtourism in the city.

The new rules that came into force on Saturday follow the introduction of an entry fee for the city earlier this year as well as the banning of cruise ships docking in 2021.

The use of loudspeakers “which can generate confusion and disturbances” on tours will also be banned, the city said in a statement.

The new rules also cover the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello.

Overtourism has become a major issue in the picturesque lagoon city in northern Italy, where an estimated 20 million visitors arrive each year, massively outnumbering the estimated 50,000 residents who live in the historic centre.

On its busiest days, the city is visited by around 120,000 people.

Overtourism has caused damage to Venice’s fragile buildings and strained its infrastructure and facilities. The UN cultural agency cited the impact of tourism on the city as a major factor in it twice considering placing Venice on the Unesco list of heritage sites in danger.

Venice introduced a €5 (£4) daily entry fee in April to discourage tourists and thin the crowds during peak holiday seasons.

Elisabetta Pesce, the city official charged with security, said the new policies limiting groups to less than 25 people and banning loudspeakers were aimed at improving the movement of groups through Venice’s historic centre.

Officials hope they will help to regulate crowds, encourage longer visits and improve the quality of life for Venice residents.

In April, Simone Venturini, Venice’s top tourism official, said: “We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents. We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”

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