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Venice, the enchanting city of canals and history, is gearing up for a refreshing change this summer. The Venice City Council has taken a significant step to tackle the issue of overtourism, approving a new limit on tour group sizes. Starting from June 1, guided groups exploring Venice's historic center and nearby islands will be capped at a maximum of 25 persons, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a more serene and intimate experience.
The move is aimed at curbing the congestion caused by large tour groups navigating the city's narrow streets. The restriction, approximately half the capacity of a standard tour bus, directly addresses the tour programs that often bring high numbers of visitors, whether by land or sea through cruise ships.
The new rule, while not explicitly stating whether it applies only to active walking tours or the overall size of a group staying in Venice, seeks to manage pedestrian traffic in the most crowded areas, such as Piazza San Marco and Murano's Via del Giudecca. Additionally, to reduce noise pollution, the use of portable loudspeakers will be prohibited. Instead, tour leaders will rely on their voices or opt for whisper radio sets, portable microphones, and headsets connected via radio frequency.
Venice's Security Councilor, Elisabetta Pesce, hails this as "an important measure aimed at improving the management of groups, promoting sustainable tourism, and guaranteeing the protection and safety of the city."
"Venice is a place for all humanity," Mayor Brugnaro emphasizes. "Whoever visits it must respect it."
The decision comes as Venice grapples with record-breaking tourism numbers. Last year, over 11.3 million passengers traveled through the Venice Marco Polo Airport, marking a 22 percent increase from 2022. The City Council believes that reducing both physical and audio congestion will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to a better quality of life for residents, students, and workers. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in preserving Venice's delicate infrastructure, already under threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.
In their ongoing efforts to combat overtourism, the Venice City Council introduced the Venice Access Fee in September 2023, a pay-to-enter charge specifically targeting day visitors. This fee will be implemented starting April 25, coinciding with the historic Festa di San Marco, Venice's patron saint.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasizes the necessity of the fee, stating, "The objective is not to close the city, but not let it explode." The fee aims to decongest the city rather than generate additional revenue. To facilitate this process, day-trippers will need to register in advance online and purchase a five-euro entry ticket via credit card or PayPal. The ticket, received as a QR code, must be carried at all times, with the option of a refund up until 24 hours before the chosen date. However, exemptions exist for children aged 14 and younger and visitors with confirmed overnight hotel reservations within the Venice municipality, although they are still required to register online.
As the city takes these steps to strike a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving its unique charm, visitors are encouraged to embrace these changes for a more enjoyable and sustainable Venice experience.
