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The city of Venice has declared its intentions to prohibit loudspeakers and large tourist groups as part of their ongoing efforts to address the issue of over-tourism in the historic area.
The decision, which restricts tourist groups larger than 25 individuals, was declared on Saturday and will go into effect in June of next year.
The city explained that the use of loudspeakers could potentially create confusion and disturbance, and the restriction on tourist groups aims to protect the delicate nature of Venice.
Elisabetta Pesce, the city’s security councilor, stated that this provision is one component of a larger plan of actions intended to enhance and effectively regulate tourism in Venice. This will ensure a more equitable distribution of resources between the residents and workers of the city and the tourists who visit.
Sebastiano Costalonga, the Councilor for commerce, stated that the administration is aiming to establish clear guidelines for preserving the delicate state of Venice, managing traffic, and promoting harmonious coexistence with its residents. Additionally, there will be a crackdown on unauthorized tourist guides, as the new article will not allow for their presence to be tolerated any longer.
The most recent actions were taken following the implementation of a charge for tourists visiting the city for the day. The fee, which amounts to €5 (£4.34) per person, will be in effect on 29 days during peak season from April to mid-July, including weekends.
In 2021, a ship collision in the harbour resulted in a ban on large cruise ships entering the historic center of Venice.
The historic city is just 7.6 square km (2.7 square miles) in size but it hosted almost 13 million tourists in 2019 and the numbers of visitors are expected to rise even further in the coming years.
The significant impact of excessive tourism on the city led Unesco to suggest placing the city on the list of endangered world heritage sites in July.
The city was said to be in danger of permanent harm caused by excessive tourism, excessive construction and the effects of global warming leading to rising sea levels.
Source: independent.co.uk
