Venice has announced a ban on loudspeakers and tourist groups of more than 25 people, effective from June, in an effort to mitigate the effects of mass tourism on the historic canal city. The new rules aim to reduce confusion and disturbances caused by large crowds and noise, according to a city statement.
The measures are part of broader attempts to manage tourism in Venice, which saw nearly 13 million visitors in 2019, a number expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. The city, spanning just 7.6 square kilometres, has seen a rise in tourist beds to over 50,000, exceeding those available for residents, prompting concerns about depopulation.
In September, Venice approved a trial €5 fee for day visitors, and in 2021, large cruise ships were banned from the Giudecca canal after a collision. Despite Unesco experts recommending adding Venice to a list of endangered heritage sites due to climate change and tourism, the city was not listed after Italian authorities highlighted anti-flooding systems and the entry fee.
Other Italian cities have introduced similar restrictions: Florence has banned new short-term holiday lets in its historic centre, Rome has fined tourists for shirtlessness and littering, and Portofino has imposed fines for lingering in photogenic spots. Beyond Italy, Athens has capped Acropolis visitors at 20,000 daily, and Hallstatt in Austria has blocked views and limited tourist vehicles.
