Venice to introduce even stricter rules in its ongoing battle with overtourism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Venice will introduce even stricter rules as the lagoon city looks to limit the damage done by overtourism.
The city will limit the size of tourist parties to 25 people from Thursday in the latest attempt to reduce the impact of crowds.
Local authorities will also ban the use of loudspeakers by tourist guides in measures aimed at “protecting the peace of residents” and ensuring pedestrians can move around more freely.
Around 30 million tourists visit Venice in a typical year – with about seven out of 10 (or 21 million) staying only for the day. Just before the Covid pandemic, Unesco warned the city’s “status as a World Heritage property is in jeopardy”.
There will be fines ranging from 25-500 euros ($27-541) for those who do not comply with these new measures, which were originally planned to take effect from June but were held over until the start of August.
The restrictions cover the city centre and also the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. There are a number of exemptions to the rules on tourist parties. Children up to two years of age are not included in the count and the limitation is waived for visiting students or those on an educational trip.
In April, Venice became the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for visitors in an experiment aimed at dissuading daytrippers from arriving during peak periods.
The pilot scheme, which has been watched closely by other European tourist hotspots, covered just 29 days and ended in July, opening the way for a period of consultation to decide how to proceed with the project in future.
Venice’s experiment with payment systems for tourists only had a small impact on reducing crowds, a politician has said, meaning prices will almost certainly be hiked next year.
Around 30 million tourists visit Venice in a typical year – with about seven out of 10 (or 21 million) staying only for the day. Just before the Covid pandemic, Unesco warned the city’s “status as a World Heritage property is in jeopardy”.
In a world first, the Italian destination introduced a 5-euro ($5.44) charge in April for daytrippers arriving on particularly congested days, hoping the levy would deter some people from visiting.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments