Venice Proposes New Regulations in Battle Against Overtourism

The Italian city of Venice has continued its battle against what it believes is over-tourism. To limit mass tourism and make the city more sustainable, officials in Venice, Italy, propose two key changes. It wants to limit the number of walking tour groups to 25 or less and ban the use of loudspeakers. Tour groups will also be prohibited from stopping in narrow streets, on bridges or in passageways. It is a complaint heard numerous times in large cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles – people stopping en masse while walking to gawk or sightsee. The resolutions still have to be passed by the City Council. A statement on the city of Venice’s website said: “Groups cannot exceed 25 people, i.e. half the passengers on a tourist coach. The use of loudspeakers that may cause confusion and disturbance will also be prohibited.”.

Gondola rides in St. Mark’s Square in the city center have also slowed down to limit the number of tourists and use of the canals. City security manager Elisabetta Pesce said these are “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.” Venice museums already limit groups to 25 people. Venice is also implementing a slight surcharge on daytrippers who visit the city. UNESCO, a division of the United Nations, was considering placing the city on its endangered list. Tourists often outnumber residents in the city