Canal plus: New visitor controls get a mixed reception

On his first visit to Venice, Alejandro is unimpressed with the city's latest bid to control tourism by limiting group sizes and banning loudspeakers. The tour guide's group, just shy of the new maximum limit of 25, is trudging over a bridge towards St Mark's Square, seemingly more interested in taking selfies than the history lesson being delivered through their audio devices.

- Angela Giuffrida

"I don't think it was a very smart move. I have 24 people with me, the other 25 are over there," he said, pointing to a group just ahead. "It would be nicer to all be together instead, the first guide is doing the talking and I'm just making sure we don't lose each other." The new restrictions, which took effect on 1 August, are aimed at unclogging the city's narrow alleys and bringing the dwindling number of residents a smidgen of peace.

Those who break the rules risk fines of between €25 and €500 ($27-$546).

Giulia, a guide from Venice, is standing in the baking sun by St Mark's Square, ushering people towards a boat which will take them on a tour of Murano and Burano. She is equally exasperated.

"It's not easy to find guides to take care of more than one group we have a busload of 50 tourists but only one guide," she said. "It's early days but, much like the entrance fee, I doubt it will change a thing."