Authorities have decided to ban the use of loud speakers and large tourist groups in the Italian tourist city of Venice. No group can have more than 25 tourists. Steps are being taken to keep the city safe by reducing tourist pressure in Venice.
The new rules will come into effect in June, according to a statement from Venice city authorities.
The statement said banning the use of loud speakers caused 'confusion and disturbance' due to their use.
Venice is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Reducing the pressure of excess tourists has become imperative for the city.
Last September, the Venice authorities decided to charge five euros as an entrance fee to tourists visiting for a day (not an overnight stay).
Elisabetta Pesche, Venice's security official, said the new policies are being introduced to better manage tourists visiting the historic area.
The area of Venice city is only 7.6 square kilometers. According to data from Italy's National Institute of Statistics, in 2019 Venice was visited by about 1.3 million tourists. In the next few years, the number of visitors to the city is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic numbers.
Earlier this year, UNESCO said Venice should be added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. Because, the city has changed due to the effects of climate change and more tourists.
In 2021, the entry of large ships to Venice via the Judecca Canal was banned. The move was taken after a ship was involved in an accident at a port. According to critics, these ships are creating pollution. This is eroding the foundations of Venice. Venice was already suffering from regular floods.
