Venice To Ban Large Tourist Groups, Loudspeakers

Venice is set to ban loudspeakers and tourist groups exceeding 25 people to alleviate the impact of mass tourism on the Italian city, as reported by George Wright for BBC News.

Despite being only 7.6 sq km (2.7 sq miles) in size, Venice hosted almost 13 million tourists in 2019, and visitor numbers are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in the coming years.

The new rules will be effective from June.

The ban on loudspeakers is implemented to prevent "confusion and disturbances," according to a city statement. Over-tourism is a recognized issue for Venice, one of Europe's most visited places.

In September, the city approved a trial €5 (£4.30; $5.35) fee for daily visitors. Elisabetta Pesce, the official responsible for the city's security, stated that the latest policies aim to "improve the management of groups organized in the historic center."

Despite being only 7.6 sq km (2.7 sq miles) in size, Venice hosted almost 13 million tourists in 2019, and visitor numbers are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in the coming years.

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