From yesterday, Venice has limited the size of tourist groups to 25 people in the latest attempt to reduce the impact of crowds on the lagoon city.

Local authorities will also ban tourist guides’ loudspeakers in measures aimed at “protecting the peace of residents” and ensuring pedestrians can move around more freely. Fines ranging from €25 to €500 will be imposed for those not complying with these new measures. These measures were initially planned to take effect in June but were held until August. The restrictions cover the city centre and Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands.

In April, Venice became the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for visitors in an experiment aimed at dissuading daytrippers from arriving during peak periods. The pilot scheme, closely watched by other European tourist hotspots, lasted 29 days and ended in July. This has opened the way for a consultation period to decide how to proceed with the project.

Several exemptions to the rules on tourist groups apply. Children up to two years of age are not included in the count, and the limitation is waived for visiting students or those on educational trips.