Overtourism in Italy: After Venice, Florence introduces measures to deal with huge tourist influx
Florence has been a favorite of tourists for many years. However, in recent times, it has seen a huge increase in the number of tourists, which has become difficult to deal with.
Overtourism in Italy: After Venice, Florence introduced measures to deal with heavy tourist influx. (Image: Canva)
In an effort to combat overtourism, the historic Italian city of Florence has introduced some measures, including a ban on key boxes and tour guide loudspeakers. Florence has been a favorite of tourists for many years. However, in recent times, it has seen a huge increase in the number of tourists, making it difficult to deal with.
According to multiple reports, local residents have expressed concern over the value of their homes decreasing and the city losing its livability. The concept of short-term rentals facilitated by key boxes has further exacerbated the housing crisis. Many local people also took to the streets to protest.
So far, the City Council of Florence, led by Mayor Sara Funaro, has implemented the following key measures.
- ban on key boxes: Combination-protected lock boxes will no longer be allowed in the UNESCO-listed historic center of Florence.
- Tour guide equipment now allowed: To reduce noise pollution, amplifiers and loudspeakers have been banned in the area.
- Limit on ‘abnormal vehicles’: Use of vehicles like golf carts for tourists is now strictly prohibited.
Meanwhile, earlier, Venice had banned megaphones and limited groups to only 25 people. Exceptions include children under 2 years of age, and visiting students and educational trips. These new rules were to come into effect in June. However, there were delays because many guides had already booked these group tours.
Tourists and guides who break the 25-person limit or use loudspeakers will face fines of about $50-$100. These rules will also apply to Venice’s islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Additionally, in January 2024, Venice came up with rules that included a ban on loudspeakers deemed disruptive. With the city spread over only 7.6 square km and hosting approximately 13 million tourists in 2019, efforts are being made to increase the management of organized groups in the historic centre. Concerns about the exodus of residents due to the influx of tourists have increased the urgency of these measures.
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