The resolution was approved in the council’s last session of 2023 and also includes the banning of the use of loudspeakers by guides, which the city claims can cause confusion and disturbances.
Elisabetta Pesce, the city’s security councillor, said that these measures aim to enhance the movement of groups, promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring the safety of the city, The City of Venice reported.
The changes form “part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving and better managing tourism in Venice, thus guaranteeing a greater balance between the needs of those who live in the city, either as residents or as workers, and those who come to visit the city,” Simone Venturini, the Tourism councillor said.
“The number of 25 people was also decided to give homogeneity to what already happens for visits to the city’s civic museums,” Venturini added.
The adjustments, part of the Police and urban security regulation modification, come after discussions with various stakeholders. The new article introduces precise rules for group visits, emphasising the fragility of Venice, traffic management, and coexistence with locals. Notably, the changes signal a crackdown on unauthorised tourist guides, no longer tolerated under the revised regulations.
Sebastiano Costalonga, the councillor for Commerce, underscores the importance of regulating tourist groups to certify accompanying guides. These initiatives collectively aim to give Venice a breather, combat over-tourism, and protect its UNESCO-listed heritage. As part of this strategy, the city plans to introduce a €5 day-tripper fee on peak days between April and mid-July, encouraging longer visits and improving residents’ quality of life.
This multi-pronged approach reflects Venice’s commitment to sustainable tourism, a crucial step to preserve the city’s unique charm and delicate ecosystem.
