Venice will now limit tourist groups to a maximum of 25 people in a new initiative to mitigate the overwhelming crowds in the iconic city.

This measure, originally slated for June, will take effect starting Thursday, 1 August.

The authorities in the picturesque Italian canal city are also banning the use of loudspeakers by tour guides. These steps are part of a broader effort to “protect the peace of residents” and ensure smoother pedestrian flow.

Venice has been grappling with the consequences of overtourism, where excessive visitor numbers detract from the experience for both locals and holidaymakers. In 2023, the historic city centre, home to about 50,000 residents, saw approximately 4.9 million tourist arrivals, according to Statista.

Non-compliance with the new regulations will result in fines ranging from €25 to €500 (£21 to £421). These restrictions apply not only to the city centre but also to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Exemptions include children up to two years old and students on educational trips.

Earlier this year, Venice became the first city globally to trial a visitor payment system to discourage peak-period day-trippers. The pilot, closely observed by other European tourist hubs, lasted 29 days and concluded recently, leading to a consultation phase to refine the project.

The city plans to double the tax, having generated around €2.4m (£2m) from the €5 (£4.20) charge paid 485,062 times during the trial.

Venice residents have expressed their frustration over the impacts of mass tourism, describing the city as “on the brink of collapse” with “disgusting” streets and “crazy prices.”

Italian users on Reddit have vented their anger, particularly at the day-tripper tax. One post sarcastically questioned the tax’s effectiveness, saying: “How is the €5 tax supposed to help against tourist overcrowding in Venice?: ‘Oh no, I spent hundreds of euros on travel and hotels to get there, but €5 is too much! I’m going back to Indonesia!'”

Another comment lamented, “Yes, the residents are virtually extinct. Mass tourism has killed the city.”

A third remarked that the city had become “unlivable” due to exorbitant prices. Other comments echoed the sentiment, criticising the “disgusting” state of the streets.