Venice is set to limit tourist parties to 25 people starting from Thursday in an effort to reduce the impact of crowds in the city. The use of loudspeakers by tourist guides will also be banned to protect the peace of residents and ensure pedestrians can move around more easily. Fines ranging from €25-500 will be imposed on those who do not comply with the measures, which were originally slated to begin in June but were delayed until August.
The restrictions will cover the city center as well as the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. In April, Venice became the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for visitors in an attempt to discourage daytrippers during peak periods. The pilot scheme, which ran for 29 days and ended in July, will now undergo a period of consultation to determine its future.
There are some exemptions to the rules, such as children under two not being included in the party count and special allowances for visiting students or those on educational trips. The measures come after a pilot scheme at the main train station earlier this month aimed at limiting tourist numbers.
Venice’s efforts to manage tourism and protect its residents are being closely watched by other popular European tourist destinations. Critics argue that the restrictions may deter visitors, but local authorities believe they are necessary to maintain the city’s unique charm and prevent overcrowding.
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