In an effort to mitigate the impact of mass tourism on its historic landscape, Venice has announced a series of strict regulations set to come into effect from June. These measures include a ban on the use of loudspeakers and restrictions on tourist groups exceeding 25 people. The move underscores the city’s commitment to addressing the growing concerns of over-tourism, a pervasive issue for Venice, which consistently ranks among the most visited destinations in Europe.
The ban on loudspeakers has been justified by city officials as a necessary step to prevent “confusion and disturbances” caused by amplified tourist activities. Venice, covering a mere 7.6 square kilometres (2.7 square miles), hosted nearly 13 million tourists in 2019, according to the Italian national statistics institute. The upcoming restrictions are part of a broader strategy aimed at improving the management of organized groups within the city’s historic centre.
Elisabetta Pesce, the official responsible for the city’s security, emphasized that these new policies are crucial for preserving the cultural and architectural integrity of Venice. With visitor numbers expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the coming years, local authorities are grappling with the challenges posed by the sheer volume of tourists, leading to initiatives such as the trial of a €5 fee for daily visitors approved in September.
Over-Tourism Crisis in Venice
One of the primary concerns driving these measures is the exodus of residents from Venice, who fear being overwhelmed by the influx of tourists. Citizen associations in the city-initiated studies in April to monitor the availability of beds for both tourists and residents. Ocio, one such association, reported that the number of beds for tourists has surpassed 50,000, surpassing the accommodation options for locals.
The over-tourism crisis in Venice has sparked discussions at the international level, with UNESCO experts weighing in on the situation. In July, experts suggested that Venice should be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to the combined threats of climate change and mass tourism. They criticized Italian authorities for a “lack of strategic vision” in addressing the challenges faced by this picturesque city.
Despite the UNESCO warning, Venice was not added to the list, and Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano attributed this decision to recognition of the city’s efforts. These efforts include the implementation of an anti-flooding system and the approval of the entry fee for tourists. The delicate balance between preserving Venice’s unique heritage and accommodating the economic benefits of tourism remains a complex challenge for local authorities.
In 2021, the issue of large cruise ships entering the historic center of Venice gained prominence after a ship collision. As a response, the city implemented a ban on such ships using the Giudecca canal, citing concerns about pollution and the erosion of the city’s foundations, already susceptible to regular flooding.
Venice’s struggle with over-tourism finds parallels in other popular European destinations. Florence, for instance, has banned new Airbnbs and short-term holiday lets in its historic city center. In Rome, fines were introduced to regulate tourist behaviour, including prohibiting shirtless men in public, banning “love padlocks” on bridges, and cracking down on messy foods around famous tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain.
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Beyond Italy, Athens in Greece implemented visitor caps at the Acropolis to reduce damage to the ancient temple complex. The picturesque fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera introduced no-waiting zones in photogenic spots, imposing fines on tourists lingering too long for the perfect selfie. In the Austrian Alps, the town of Hallstatt, believed to have inspired the setting of Disney’s Frozen, constructed wooden barriers to block views in popular spots and capped the number of tourist buses and cars entering the area.
The global challenge of over-tourism necessitates innovative and sustainable solutions. As Venice takes decisive steps to manage its tourist influx, the city serves as a focal point for ongoing discussions about balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage. The effectiveness of these measures will undoubtedly be closely monitored, offering valuable insights for other destinations grappling with similar challenges.