'No impact on numbers' Venice's tourism plan fails to ease pressures

Carrying a pole bearing the Mexican flag, Alejandro was making his first visit to Venice.

- Angela Giuffrida

But the tour guide was unimpressed with the city's latest attempt to counter excessive tourism by limiting group sizes and outlawing the use of loudspeakers. His contingent, just shy of the new maximum limit of 25, was trudging over a bridge towards St Mark's Square, seemingly more interested in taking selfies than absorbing the history lesson being delivered through their audio devices.

"I don't think it was a very smart move. For example, I have 24 people with me, the other 25 are over there," Alejandro said, pointing to a tour group a few metres in front. "It would be nicer to all be together - instead, the guide in the first group is doing the talking and I'm just making sure we don't lose each other." The restrictions, which took effect on 1 August and apply to Venice's main island as well as Murano, Burano and Torcello, are aimed at unclogging the city's narrow alleys and bringing the dwindling number of residents some peace. Those who break the rules risk fines of between €25 and €500 (£21-£422).

Giulia, a guide from Venice, was standing by St Mark's Square, ushering people towards a boat which would take them on a tour of Murano and Burano. She was equally exasperated with the new restrictions.