Venice kicks out 20,000 tourists
Holidaymakers who had booked a trip to Venice to see the city’s Carnival were faced with an unpredictable situation, they weren’t allowed in.
The city has been grappling with steadily increasing tourists for a number of years, and it seems locals have finally put their foot down.
Punters keen to see the spectacle were barred from entering the city centre to watch the parade, with almost 20,000 faced with geographical restrictions.
The Carnival, which first took place in the 11th century, began festivities on 27 January and hordes of tourists lined up at Festa Venezia to watch the show.
However, police and officials stopped tourists from attending the show, cutting the number down to 11,000 visitors only.
To add to this, Prefect Carlo Boffi has said security groups are now brainstorming how they can reduce the number of visitors hoping to attend the ‘Flight of the Angel’ show on 4 February in San Marco this Sunday.
Locals are also hoping to combat surging tourist numbers in the Piazza San Marco by restricting visitors.
Some are offering a number of 25,000 people maximum in the city centre at all times to take pressure off the square.
Earlier this month, a group of tourists complained to police after receiving a $1,600 bill for three steaks and some fish at a cafe near the city centre.
Speaking to Venice Today, a spokesman for Gruppo 25, a Venice civil rights organisation said of the bill: “This is just the latest case of many of this kind.
“THE YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO ARE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN BOLOGNA, MADE A FORMAL DENUNCIATION TO THE LOCAL POLICE STATION AS SOON AS THEY GOT OFF THE TRAIN.”
Other tourists who have visited restaurants in the same area as the cafe, Osteria de Luca, said they left feeling “conned”.
In November of last year, a new law which was to roll out over the next few months will see giant ships officially banned from entering the water in front of the famous St. Marks Square.
The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, said the ban was a huge win for Venetians, and applauded the ban for adhering to residential, tourism and conservationists’ requests.
“WE WANT IT TO BE CLEAR TO UNESCO [THE UNITED NATIONS CULTURAL AGENCY] AND THE WHOLE WORLD THAT WE HAVE A SOLUTION,” BRUGNARO SAID AFTER THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH SAVING VENICE.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
carnival festival overtourism tourism tourists venetian veniceLatest News
Cruiseabout celebrates opening of fourth store at BNE’s Westfield Carindale
Four times lucky, isn't that how the four leaf clover works?
Lee Ho Fook chef Victor Liong adds another chapter with new offering Singapore’s Quenino Artyzen hotel
Melbourne chef Victor Liong, of the two-hatted Lee Ho Fook, has added to his culinary storytelling with Quenino by Victor Liong, in Singapore’s Artyzen hotel, where contemporary Asian cuisine is served with a relaxed fine-dining flair. Artyzen Singapore emerged from an iconic Singapore heritage landmark that was once the sprawling tropical-garden mansion named “Villa Marie” […]
ATIA and Australian Travel Education to pursue individual paths
We look forward to new announcements for much-needed travel trade education programs next year. Where do we sign up?
Japan’s Nagano region looks to attract more tourists during the warmer months
We've tried the icy side of Japan's Nagano, but old knees make spring/summer look increasingly attractive.
Cruise Traveller launches special two-week cruise through the Adriatic with Atlas Ocean Voyages
We think they call these epicurean cruises 'walk on, roll off'.
Tolpuddle Vineyard opens Tasting Room in Coal River Valley
Tolpuddle Vineyard is opening its Tasting Room at their Coal River Valley property in Richmond, Tasmania, this Friday, 13 December. The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room, managed by Pip Anderson, previously general manager of hospitality at Mona, will be open from Friday to Monday, 11am to 5pm with appointments available online. Visitors can taste a flight […]
Air Tahiti Nui celebrates big wins with 2025 APEX awards and Cash & Miles Program
Air Tahiti Nui has again been recognised for service to travellers being honoured with the prestigious Five Star Major Airline title for the 7th consecutive year. Announced at the APEX/IFSA Awards 2025 ceremony, the ranking is based on passenger reviews of over one million flights and 600 airlines. The flagship carrier of The Islands of […]
The future is here! Travel DAZE is back for 2025
Check out all the details for the 2025 Travel DAZE here! It is not one to miss!
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group set to sign two iconic European hotels by early 2025
Whether you like your caffeine from a classy Parisian cafe, or a hazy Dutch coffee shop, Mandarin has you covered.
APT Travel Group’s new-look websites for APT Luxury Travel and Travelmarvel
Hopefully this will have clients come in knowing what they want. We said 'hopefully'.
NETGEAR unveils new mobile hotspot designed to connect travellers on the go
For a moment there we thought we were working for a tech trade publication rather than travel when writing this!
Hotel Sorrento unveils Saint-Tropez-inspired Rooftop dining destination
Best to book ahead as all those Melbourne staycationers heading to their insular peninsula pad will be thirsty.
Blossoms, Louboutins and tears: behind the scenes at the Women in Travel Awards 2024
Now the big show is over, everyone wants to know how we pulled it together. Here are the juicy details.
Emirates remains Premier Partner of the Collingwood Football Club until 2029
Hopefully the renewed deal will help the Pies fly higher than 9th on the ladder in season 2024. Go Swans!
Qatar Airways’ Student Club marks four-year milestone with educate a child campaign
Qatar Airways’ Student Club program is marking its fourth anniversary by teaming up with the charity Education Above All that will see the carrier donate $10 for every booking made by a club member. Education Above All is the non-profit organisation founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson and founder of Education Above […]
Pan Pacific Perth announces launch of its Wellness Program
Having stayed at the Pan Pac Perth you'd be hard pressed getting us out of the room for a workout.
Moonlight Bay Suites reveals $4m refurbishment for Broome venue
Beware invisible stairs at Staircase to the Moon during the wet season.
For guests in search of something different – Back-Roads Touring
After travelling with Back-Roads ourselves, we can confirm the merits of the road less travelled.
Unforgettable Croatia’s record year in 2024 with ’25 bookings on track to match
Aptly named, how could you forget any time spent in a setting like this!
Surprise planned for travellers arriving at Hamilton Island Airport as it celebrates 40 years today
What do you buy a 40-year-old airport? If it's not a nice bottle of Scotch, perhaps a new lick of tarmac on the runway.
Emirates announces third Dubai-Melbourne route for March ’25, as Singapore-Melbourne is scrapped
There's so much movement for Emirates, we are getting dizzy watching changes in frequencies and destinations.
Qantas Freight unveils specially decorated ‘Santa’s Freight’ aircraft
For once, your child might actually see Santa if you tell them to look at the sky.
Qatar Airways surprises Melbourne passengers with upgrades to celebrate 15 years
Qatar Airways has celebrated its 15th anniversary in Australia by giving passengers Business Class upgrades at Melbourne Airport on Friday. The airline has flown over 9.7 million passengers in and out of Australia since starting its operation in 2009 with Australian operations commencing on 7 December 2009 with the Melbourne-Doha route. Since then, the airline […]
Norwegian Cruise Line joins Take 3 for the Sea for a beach cleanup
If they have any time left, our back garden could really do with a good clean to get rid of all the Huntsmans.
‘Office away from office’ call answered with Flight Centre Corporate and Crystalbrook Collection partnership
We could do with membership of this for the Travel Weekly crew. Although we prefer to relax 'unconsciously'.
Ayers Rock Resort stellar awards year the highest in the resort’s history
Anyone with a bit of coin might want to consider this asset. Sadly, we don't have a few hundred mill in spare change.
Qatar Airways Group CEO highlights importance of employee retention
Qatar is having its moment in the sun, but as we found out when in Doha it's quite cold when you are out of it.
TravelManagers call Cabo ‘the coolest place’ they’ve visited on return from ILTM famil
TravelManagers seem to be running famils non stop, so if you're craving a junket, you know where to look!
Klook wraps hugely popular, inaugural ‘Travel Fest’ event, welcoming over 10,000 attendees
Honestly a good prop will transform your entire day! Our editor is a big fan.
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin to launch tourism employment platform in Canberra today
With all the high level stuff going on in travel and tourism it can be easy to forget the importance of recruitment.
Reflections Holidays surf contest brings best young talent to NSW North Coast
The best grommets in NSW were treated to cracking conditions, and of course top notch facilities at Reflections.
Monaco proves ultimate pre-ILTM destination for Australian travel advisors
We are happy to fill in for last-minute cancellations for one of these fam trips.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Brisbane Airport
Nice to know, given Delta's new Brisbane flights deal and with the Olympics on their way.
Discovering RAKxa: A Fusion of Medical Innovation and Holistic Wellness
From oxygen therapy to anti-aging treatments, RAXka puts the well in wellness travel!
Fullers360 ticket sales for the first electric hydrofoil ferry
This would also be a great way to travel to work, but we figure it wouldn't go uphill to our location.
Virgin Voyages new annual pass offers agents up to $15k commission, first cruise to enable Bitcoin payment
Have you joined the crypto revolution? This seems like the perfect reason to if you haven't!