Venice vs tourism

New rules for Venice visitors - 5th February 2024

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is introducing new rules in June. The rules are for visitors to the historic centre of Venice and nearby islands. Tour groups that include more than 25 people won't be able to enter Venice. Use of loud speakers by tour guides is also banned.

The local population of Venice is 49,000, but the number of tourists in Venice is usually higher. The city has more beds which are available for tourists than there are in apartments for residents.

Local people think that tourists make life in Venice worse. Big tour groups fill up the streets and increase noise levels. There's also more rubbish on the streets.

The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, agrees with residents. He doesn't want tourists to take over the city. High levels of tourism can put local ways of life in danger. The physical impact on historic buildings and monuments also worries UNESCO.

The national government's already taken action to reduce tourist numbers. In 2021, it banned large cruise ships from using the city harbour. And the city government's introducing a tourist tax. Visitors on day trips will have to pay a 5 euro Venice Access Tax.