Rules for tourism in Venice: the Italian city is introducing even stricter rules to prevent overtourism and bans large groups

New tourism rules came into effect this week for anyone visiting the Italian city Venice.

The city made headlines last year after introducing a tourist tax for day trippersand has now imposed new measures banning travel groups of more than 25 people.

About 25 million people visit Venice every year, which locals and city officials say is far too much for the small town to support.

The rule against large tour groups hopes to discourage people from going to the city, especially those who come on cruise ships.

The implementation was originally planned to take place on June 1, but this was postponed by two months. 

Loudspeakers, often used by tour guides with groups, have also been banned in the city as officials say they cause “confusion and disorder.”

When the measures were first announced last year, Simone Venturini, the city’s tourism councilor, said: “We need to find a new balance between tourists and residents.”

“We must of course protect residents’ spaces and we must discourage the arrival of day trippers on certain days.”

The rules also apply to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano, which are easily reached by ferry from Venice.

Since the tourist tax was introduced on a trial basis earlier this year, the city has done the same raised more than €2 million ($3.4 million). These funds will reportedly be used for maintenance, waste disposal and other essential city services.

Venturini says that not only will the tax be expanded, but the price will likely also be increased from €5 to €10.

Venice’s new rules come as news of overtourism filters in from around the world.

A Japanese city built a wall to block the view of Mount FujiAmsterdam raised its hotel tax rate and a Spanish neighborhood had a bus route removed from Google Maps.

We have proof that a massive increase in tourists to certain locations has not only disrupted the lives of residents, but also damaged cities and ecosystems.

Brett Mitchell, managing director of Intrepid Travel ANZ, said 9Travel That tourists should preserve the local community and ecosystem “front of mind” while traveling.

“Tourism is only good if everyone benefits from it.”