Venice to limit tourist group numbers

The move is the city's latest bid to tackle over-tourism

Venice is to limit the size of walking tour groups and ban the use of loudspeakers in the latest bid to tackle mass tourism issues in the city.

Walking tour groups of more than 25 people will not be allowed, and groups will be prohibited from stopping in narrow streets, on bridges or in passageways.

The use of loudspeakers is being banned as it can “generate confusion and disturbances”.

The new regulations will come into effect in Venice’s historic centre, as well as the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, from 1 June 2024, according to Venice City Council.

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Security councillor Elisabetta Pesce reportedly described the development as “an important measure aimed at improving the management of groups” as well as “promoting sustainable tourism and guaranteeing the protection and safety of the city.”

The council announced in September 2023 that day-trippers over the age of 14 will be charged €5 to visit during peak times this year.

In pre-pandemic 2019 about 13 million tourists visited Venice but day visitors provided a fraction of the revenue of those who stayed for at least one night. About four-fifths of all tourists come to Venice just for the day.

Simone Venturini, the city’s tourism councillor, said the latest move was part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving tourism management in Venice, striking a better balance between the needs of residents and those of visitors.

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