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Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — The Italian city of Venice announced it will limit the number of tourist walking groups to 25 people and ban the use of loudspeakers as part of its latest effort to combat mass tourism.
Stopping in groups on narrow streets, bridges or paths is prohibited.
A statement on Venice’s website said the new regulations restricting tourist activities in the crowded city will come into force in June 2024 in the historic center and on the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
The statement said: “Groups may not exceed 25 people, half the number of passengers on a tourist bus, and the use of loudspeakers is prohibited, which may cause confusion and inconvenience.”
Elisabetta Pesci, a member of the Security Council, called these steps “an important measure to improve the management of groups” as well as “promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring the protection and security of the city.”
Venice’s museums already limit the number of groups to 25 people.
The city’s tourism adviser, Simone Venturini, said the move was part of a broader framework of measures aimed at improving tourism management in Venice and achieving a better balance between the needs of residents and visitors.
The new rules come into effect two months after the introduction of a 5 euro ($5.40) trial visit fee for day visitors to the city.
This also comes after UNESCO recommended that Venice be added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger last July.
UNESCO called on the Italian government to ensure “maximum commitment” to solving “long-standing problems” in the city.
The popular tourist destination has been struggling for years with too many visitors and the effects of climate change.
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