Venice is the latest European hotspot to take measures against overtourism. Starting June 1, the northeastern Italian city banned blasting loudspeakers and tour groups larger than 25 people.
The new regulations are assumably intended to lessen noise pollution and the number of large groups taking up space at one time. Sky News states that the ban on groups over 25 visitors has also been established in Burano, Murano, and Torcello, the islands surrounding Venice.
The latter’s latest move comes after the city implemented a 5 euro day-trip entrance fee and reservation system in April in an attempt to lessen its foot traffic. Venice’s entrance fee is on certain days and applies to everyone who isn’t exempt. The initiative is a part of a city-wide program running through July.
Those born or living in Venice don’t have to pay the entrance fee. Other exempt groups include children under 14, those entering for medical treatment, employed commuters, and those entering for their studies.
Why Is Venice Banning Loudspeakers and Large Groups?
Venice reportedly claims loudspeakers “generate confusion and disturbances.” The Venitian official responsible for city security, Elisabetta Pesce, previously noted that Venice’s decisions are “aimed at improving the management of groups organized in the historic center.” And last year, Venice reportedly had more tourist beds than those for local city residents. The BBC claims the Italian hotspot has less than 50,000 locals but welcomes around 30 million tourists annually.
“Tourism management is a priority for the future of our city – a city that will always remain open to everyone,” Simone Venturini, Venice’s councillor for tourism, told CNN last year. “COVID made us realize that what was an everyday occurrence before COVID isn’t acceptable anymore. The mentality has changed, as has the sensitivity [towards crowds].”
