Venice Bans Large Tourist Groups & Loudspeakers to Protect the City
Starting in June, tourist groups of more than 25 people and the use of loudspeakers will no longer be allowed in Venice, following the city’s efforts to manage mass tourism.
Through a statement, the city noted that the use of loudspeakers can generate “confusion” and “disturbance”, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to the official responsible for the city’s security, Elisabetta Pesce, the latest changes come in order to improve the groups through the city’s historic center and the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
In addition to the recent measures, authorities in Venice last year unveiled plans to introduce a €5 fee for international visitors to this city. The decision, confirmed by the Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, will be applied starting in the spring of this year. However, he stressed that this was not a permanent move after authorities committed to a 30-day experiment.
The initial fee was proposed to be €10, however, it was reduced to €5. Through a statement, City Councilor for Tourism, Simone Venturini, explained that the adjustment was made after taking into account proposals of citizens and the opposition councillors.
“Aware of the urgency to find a new balance between the rights of those who live, work and study in Venice, and those who visit the city, we are setting ourselves up as global frontrunners.” Simone Venturini
By implementing such a measure, Venice would become the first city in the world that charges daytripper visitors.
Due to mass tourism and the impact of climate change, in August last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommended placing the city on its World Heritage in Danger list of sites that are subject to serious and specific dangers.
However, following a vote made in September, the city managed to remain outside this list, particularly due to Venice’s much-anticipated intention to implement an entrance fee for day trippers from this year.
“Great victory at UNESCO!!… Venice is not at risk The world has understood all the work we have done to defend our city, but some of the opposition in Venice still hasn’t.”Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro
He called the report recommending Venice to be part of the endangered list “misleading”.
At present, the city has a population of nearly 50,000, experiencing a significant decline from its peak of 175,000. If the population goes under 40,000, there is an increased concern that the floating city may no longer remain a sustainable and viable residential city.
