Starting in June, Venice will no longer permit tourist groups exceeding 25 people and the use of loudspeakers, marking the city’s latest efforts to manage mass tourism. Elisabetta Pesce, the official overseeing the city’s security, stated that these measures aim to enhance the experience of groups navigating the historic center and the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
In addition to these recent restrictions, Venice authorities unveiled plans last year to introduce a €5 fee for international visitors to the city. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro confirmed this decision, which will be implemented in the spring of this year. Emphasizing that it’s not a permanent move, Brugnaro highlighted that it follows a 30-day experimental period.
While the initial proposal suggested a €10 fee, it was later reduced to €5. Simone Venturini, the City Councilor for Tourism, explained that this adjustment was made considering the input of citizens and opposition councilors.
“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
If implemented, Venice would become the world’s first city to charge day-tripper visitors. In August last year, due to mass tourism and the effects of climate change, UNESCO recommended adding Venice to its World Heritage in Danger list, identifying sites facing serious and specific dangers.
