Municipal council
Mass tourism: Venice bans larger tour groups
The city of Venice will in future ban tourist groups of more than 25 people accompanied by tour guides from entering. photo
© Robert Messer/dpa
Venice is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world – on some days there are more than twice as many tourists as residents in the city. The local council is fighting for more sustainable tourism.
The resolutions also provide for the ban on loudspeakers on such tours in order to protect people from noise and nuisance in the city center and on the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. The measures that have now been decided will come into force on June 1, 2024.
Mass tourism has been causing problems for Venice – one of the most famous travel destinations in the world – for some time. The old town with the famous St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the many canals no longer even has 50,000 permanent residents. During the high season, on some days there are more than twice as many tourists. Full streets and crowds of people characterize the image of Venice. The city therefore decided to impose an entrance fee of five euros in September. Short visitors have to pay this from April.
The restriction of travel groups to a maximum of 25 people and the ban on loudspeakers contribute to sustainable tourism, said Venice City Councilor for Security, Elisabetta Pesce, according to the announcement. The aim is to create a better balance between the people who actually live in the city and those who just visit as tourists. In the future, groups will no longer be allowed to stop in narrow streets or on bridges.