Venice is to limit the size of walking tour groups and ban the use of loudspeakers in the latest bid to tackle mass tourism in the city.
Walking tour groups of more than 25 people will not be allowed, and they will also be prohibited from stopping in narrow streets, on bridges or in passageways.
The new regulations will come into effect in Venice’s historic centre, as well as the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, on June 1, according to Venice City Council.
The use of loudspeakers is being banned as they can “generate confusion and disturbances”.
Security councillor Elisabetta Pesce reportedly described the development as “an important measure aimed at improving the management of groups” as well as “promoting sustainable tourism and guaranteeing the protection and safety of the city.”
The measures are the latest to try and curb excessive tourism in the city.
The council announced in September that day-trippers over the age of 14 will be charged €5 to visit during peak times this year.
About four-fifths of all tourists come to Venice just for the day.
In pre-pandemic 2019 about 13 million tourists visited Venice but day visitors provided a fraction of the revenue of those who stayed for at least one night.
Simone Venturini, the city’s tourism councillor, said the latest move was part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving tourism management in Venice, striking a better balance between the needs of residents and those of visitors.