In an effort to reduce noise pollution and manage overtourism, the city council of Venice has implemented new regulations for tour guides. As of Thursday, tour guides are prohibited from using megaphones and are limited to leading groups of no more than 25 people. Exceptions to the group size limit include children under 2 years old and students on educational trips.
Originally scheduled to take effect in June, the enforcement of these rules was delayed due to prior bookings made by many guides. Violations of the 25-person limit or the use of loudspeakers may result in fines ranging from $50 to $100. These regulations also extend to the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
This move is part of a broader strategy by the local government to regain control over the city following a surge in tourism post-pandemic. In April, Venice made headlines by becoming the first city to introduce a €5 entrance fee, generating over $2.5 million during a 29-day trial period.
While the entrance fee was met with protests from locals who viewed it as segregating the city, Venice plans to double the fee upon its reinstatement later this year. The pilot program saw the fee paid over 485,000 times, indicating a significant revenue stream for the city.
Venice is not the only destination grappling with issues of overtourism. Across Europe, anti-tourism sentiments have been on the rise, with protests occurring in countries like the Netherlands, Greece, and Spain. In Santorini, Greece, authorities are contemplating restrictions on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock, while in Barcelona, Spain, demonstrators have taken to the streets to express their discontent with mass tourism.
