From Thursday onwards, Venice is setting a 25-person cap on the size of tourist groups in the latest measure to alleviate the burden of crowds on the famed lagoon city. Local powers are also imposing a prohibition on the use of loudspeakers by tour guides, in a bid to “safeguard residents’ tranquillity” and facilitate smoother pedestrian flow.
Penalties will range from €25 – €500 for violations of these new rules, which had initially been slated to kick in from June but were deferred until the commencement of August. The limitations extend to the city’s core, as well as the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
In an unprecedented move this April, Venice began to levy entry fees on visitors in a trial effort to discourage day-trippers from flocking during high-traffic periods. The pilot project, which spanned just 29 days and concluded in July, has drawn the attention of numerous European tourist hotspots. Thereafter, the scheme has entered a consultation phase to discuss how to proceed in the future.
Exceptions exist regarding the restrictions on tourist groups. For instance, toddlers up to two years old are not counted, and the restrictions are dropped for students on visits or education-related excursions.