New tourism rules have come into effect this week for anyone visiting the Italian city of Venice . The city made headlines last year after introducing a tourist tax for day trippers , and has now imposed new measures banning tour groups with over 25 people. Around 25 million people visit Venice each year, which locals and city officials believe is far too many for the small city to support.
READ MORE: Here are 12 things to do in Melbourne that cost less than $12 The rule against large tour groups hopes to discourage people from heading into the city, particularly those who visit on cruise ships. It was originally meant to be implemented on June 1st, but was delayed by two months. Loudspeakers, which were often used by tour guides to corral groups, have also been banned in the city, as officials say they cause "confusion and disturbances".
READ MORE: From ruin bars to thermal baths, here are the must-do things on your first visit to Budapest When the measures were first announced last year, Simone Venturini, the city's councillor for tourism, said: "We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents. "We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular 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 earlier this year as a trial, the city has raised more than €2 million ($3.4 million). These funds will reportedly be used for maintenance, litter removal, and other essential city services.
Venturini says that not only will the tax be extended, but it's likely the price will be raised from €5 to €10 ($16). READ MORE: Eating in Paris: 7 must-try bites (and where best to enjoy them) Venice's new rules come as news of overtourism filters in from all over the globe. A Japanese town erected a wall to block views of Mt Fuji , Amsterdam jacked up its hotel tax rate, and a Spanish neighbourhood had a bus route taken off Google Maps.
We have proof that a huge increase in tourists to certain locations has not just inconvenienced the lives of residents, but also harmed cities and ecosystems. Brett Mitchell, Managing Director of Intrepid Travel ANZ told 9Travel that tourists should keep the local community and ecosystem "front of mind" while travelling. "Tourism is only good when it benefits everyone.
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