Fines of up to 500 euros: Venice imposes new restrictions on tourists and bans loudspeakers

Venice is a legendary Italian city that traditionally makes it to the top of the rankings. Recently, the authorities have limited the size of tourist groups as part of their mission to regulate huge crowds and improve local life.

Venice has banned the use of loudspeakers and limited tourist groups to 25 people. The new rules have already come into effect, but experts say there are exceptions.

The new rules on the size of tourist groups include exceptions for children under two years old, school groups, and educational trips. They also apply to the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

The restrictions were supposed to be introduced back in June, but the authorities went easy on tourists, as many guides had already booked group tours for more than 25 people.

Guides who violate the rules face a fine of 25 to 500 euros.

The use of loudspeakers was also banned, which, according to the city authorities, negatively affects the noise level.

Authorities spokeswoman Elisabetta Pesce said that this policy was aimed at improving the lives of those who live and work in the city, as well as facilitating the movement of groups through the historic center of Venice and the nearby islands.

Additionally, the city is testing a new day trip fee. The fee of 5 euros per person was applied from April to mid-July, including most weekends.

The measures are designed to control crowds, encourage longer visits, and improve the quality of life for Venice residents.

In total, this policy brought the city 2.2 million euros from about 450,000 visitors. The United Nations has named the impact of tourism on the fragile lagoon city as the main factor affecting the possibility of Venice's inclusion in the list of UNESCO's heritage sites in danger.

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