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Venice limits tourist group numbers - 5th February 2024

Venice’s city council has approved new measures to limit the size of tour groups and reduce negative effects on residents. From June the city, once home to famous merchant traveller Marco Polo, will restrict visitor group sizes to 25 and prohibit guides from delivering information via loudspeakers, both in the city centre and on nearby islands.

Speaking to the importance of the measures, Venice’s security councillor Elisabetta Pesce explained, “It’s about promoting sustainable tourism and guaranteeing the protection and safety of the city.”

Venice’s 49,000 inhabitants are consistently outnumbered by the steady flow of visitors. Last September, an investigation revealed the number of beds at the disposal of tourists was greater than the number residents had available. This, along with what many see as an eroded quality of life, has led to several protests in recent years.

Although generally considered a boon for any municipal economy, tourism has critical drawbacks as Venice activists have pointed out. Large groups of tourists disrupt a city’s daily rhythm through increased foot traffic, noise levels and litter.

Speaking with the protestors in mind, Venice’s mayor Luigi Brugnaro agreed that “We don’t want the city and the lagoon to be just places for tourists. We won’t allow it.”

National ministers have previously outlawed cruise ships from docking in the city harbour and last year the city voted through a day tripper Venice Access Tax of 5 euros.

The effect of mass tourism on a place’s identity may prove even more detrimental. With an average of 40,000 visitors per day, separating the life of Venice from its crowds of tourists is no easy task. UNESCO’s even cautioned that overtourism’s now endangering Venice’s historic buildings and monuments.

Sustainable tourism experts advise avoiding overly popular destinations like Venice while suggesting that those determined to visit should consider going during the off-season.