In a bid to reclaim the city for its residents, Venice is reducing tour group sizes to a maximum of 25 people. Megaphones are also banned for tour guides.
Venice has finally implemented new regulations banning tour guides from using megaphones and capping group sizes at 25 people. The rules, effective from 1st August, include exceptions for children under two, school groups, and educational trips. The restrictions also apply to the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Originally scheduled for June, the implementation was delayed due to pre-existing bookings of larger groups. Violations of these rules can result in fines ranging from €25 to €500. The city has also prohibited the use of loudspeakers, which officials say can cause “confusion and disturbances.”
Elisabetta Pesce, the city official responsible for security, stated the measures aim to improve the flow of groups through Venice’s historic centre and the popular islands, while also enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Interesting facts about Venice
Other Crowd Control Measures in Venice
Venice has been testing a day-tripper fee, charging €5 per person on 29 peak days between April and mid-July, including most weekends. This initiative is intended to manage crowds, encourage longer stays, and improve the living conditions for locals.
Despite generating €2.2 million from approximately 450,000 visitors, the trial has been criticised by some as a “failure,” as it did not significantly reduce tourist numbers, which averaged 75,000 per day during the first 11 days.
However, if the data collected from the day-tripper fee is analysed correctly, it should enable the city to effectively manage the tourist flow better.
In 2025, the fee will change with a lower charge for those who book in advance rising to €10 on peak days.
The UN cultural agency UNESCO has twice considered placing Venice on its list of endangered heritage sites, citing the negative impact of tourism on the delicate lagoon city. Venice avoided this designation once by restricting large cruise ships from entering through the Giudecca Canal, and again last September by announcing the implementation of the day-tripper charge.
