New regulations in Venice have banned the use of loudspeakers and limited tour groups sizes to 25 people. These measures aim to mitigate the negative effects of over-tourism on the historic Italian city, according to local officials.
Venice’s unique canal system in its historic district makes it a prime tourist destination in Europe. To address over-tourism, the city implemented a €5 (£4) daily entry fee earlier this year, following a 2021 ban on cruise ships docking in the historic quarter.
Over-tourism is considered one of the most pressing challenges for Venice. The city, with a population of about 250,000, hosted over 13 million visitors in 2019. Although visitor numbers dropped during the pandemic, they are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels soon.
The influx of tourists groups has led to an exodus of local residents, who fear being overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors. Ocio, a citizen’s association monitoring housing in Venice, recently reported that the historic quarter offers around 49,000 tourist beds—more than the number available for residents.
These new tourism regulations follow a warning from Unesco experts last year. They cautioned that Venice could be placed on the list of world heritage sites in danger due to the combined threats of climate change and mass tourism, which risk causing irreversible damage to the city.
Ultimately, the UN cultural body did not add Venice to the endangered list, acknowledging the city’s efforts to tackle its problems. These efforts include implementing an anti-flooding system and taking steps to reduce the impact of mass tourism.
The introduction of the €5 daily entry fee and the restriction on loudspeakers and tour group sizes are part of Venice’s broader strategy to preserve its cultural and historical heritage while managing the influx of visitors. These measures aim to create a more sustainable tourism model that balances the needs of residents, tourists, and the preservation of the city.
Despite these efforts, the challenges of over-tourism remain significant. Venice’s infrastructure and local community continue to face pressure from high visitor numbers. The delicate balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining the city’s livability is a constant concern for local authorities and residents.
Local organizations and the government are also focusing on other initiatives to address the impact of over-tourism and large tourist groups. These include promoting off-peak visits to reduce congestion during the busiest times, enhancing public transportation to limit foot traffic in sensitive areas, and encouraging longer stays to ensure tourists contribute more significantly to the local economy without overwhelming the city’s resources.
Moreover, Venice is investing in digital solutions to monitor and manage tourist flows more effectively. Smart technologies, such as real-time tracking of visitor numbers and predictive analytics, are being deployed to anticipate and mitigate crowding in popular areas.
The city’s residents are increasingly involved in these efforts, advocating for policies that prioritize their quality of life and preserve Venice’s unique character. Community-led initiatives are working to protect local businesses and prevent the displacement of long-term residents by the booming short-term rental market.
In the face of climate change, Venice is also implementing infrastructure projects aimed at protecting the city from rising sea levels and flooding. The MOSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico) project, a system of mobile barriers designed to protect Venice from high tides, is one such measure. While this project has faced delays and budget overruns, it represents a critical effort to safeguard the city’s future.
As Venice navigates these complex challenges, the collaboration between local authorities, residents, and international organizations will be crucial.
