Venice, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, has announced new measures to address the issue of mass tourism. Starting from June, the city will ban the use of loudspeakers and restrict tourist groups to a maximum of 25 people. The decision comes as Venice grapples with the negative impact of over-tourism on its historic center. The city, which is only 7.6 square kilometers in size, welcomed nearly 13 million visitors in 2019, and the numbers are expected to rise in the coming years.

The ban on loudspeakers is aimed at reducing confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides. The excessive noise generated by large tourist groups has been a major concern for residents and authorities alike. By limiting the size of tourist groups, the city hopes to improve the management of visitors in the historic center. These measures are part of a broader effort to strike a balance between tourism and the preservation of Venice’s cultural heritage.

The impact of mass tourism on Venice has led to a decline in the number of residents, as many fear being overwhelmed by tourists. Citizen associations have conducted studies to monitor the availability of accommodation for both tourists and locals. The results show that there are now more than 50,000 beds for tourists, surpassing the number available to residents. This disparity has raised concerns about the sustainability of tourism in the city.

Venice’s struggle with over-tourism has also attracted international attention. In July, experts from UNESCO suggested that the city should be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to the impact of climate change and mass tourism. While Venice was not ultimately added to the list, the incident highlighted the need for a strategic vision to address the challenges faced by the city.

Venice is not the only destination grappling with over-tourism. Other popular European cities, such as Florence and Rome, have implemented measures to manage the influx of tourists. These include banning new vacation rentals in historic areas and imposing fines for inappropriate behavior. Similarly, other iconic destinations like Portofino in Italy and Athens in Greece have introduced restrictions to protect their cultural heritage and manage visitor numbers.

In conclusion, Venice’s decision to ban loudspeakers and limit the size of tourist groups is a step towards addressing the issue of over-tourism. The city is taking measures to strike a balance between tourism and the preservation of its cultural heritage. These actions are part of a broader trend among popular tourist destinations to manage the negative impacts of mass tourism.

Original news source: Venice to ban large tourist groups and loudspeakers (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and then summarize the main points in a news report format. They should include the key details, such as the new measures implemented in Venice, the impact of mass tourism, and the broader trend among popular tourist destinations. After they have finished, ask each group to share their news report with the rest of the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a list of questions related to the article, such as “Do you think the new measures in Venice will effectively address the issue of over-tourism?” or “Should other popular tourist destinations implement similar measures? Why or why not?” Instruct the groups to discuss and debate their opinions on each question, and then record their answers. After they have finished, ask each group to share their opinions with the rest of the class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Instruct each team to make a list of the pros and cons of mass tourism in Venice. They should consider both the positive and negative impacts on the city and its residents. After they have finished, ask each team to take turns sharing their lists with the rest of the class. Encourage a class discussion about the pros and cons of mass tourism and the measures implemented in Venice.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask the class to think about the following question: “What are some possible solutions to address the issue of over-tourism in popular tourist destinations?” Give the students a few minutes to think individually, and then pair them up to share their ideas with a partner. After they have finished, ask each pair to share their ideas with the rest of the class. Encourage a class discussion about the different solutions and their feasibility.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Instruct the students to imagine themselves as residents of popular tourist destinations, such as Venice, Florence, or Rome. Ask them to write a short paragraph predicting what the future will be like in their city if the issue of over-tourism is not effectively addressed. They should consider the potential consequences of continued mass tourism on the city and its residents. After they have finished, ask a few students to share their predictions with the rest of the class. Encourage a class discussion about the potential future scenarios and the importance of addressing over-tourism.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What new measures has Venice announced to address the issue of mass tourism?
2. Why is the use of loudspeakers being banned in Venice?
3. How many visitors did Venice welcome in 2019?
4. What is the purpose of limiting the size of tourist groups in Venice?
5. What concerns have been raised about the availability of accommodation in Venice?
6. What international organization suggested that Venice be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger?
7. What measures have other European cities implemented to manage over-tourism?
8. What is the goal of Venice’s decision to ban loudspeakers and limit the size of tourist groups?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Venice, one of the most popular tourist (1)______ in Europe, has announced new measures to address the issue of mass tourism. Starting from June, the city will ban the use of (2)______ and restrict tourist groups to a maximum of 25 people. The (3)______ comes as Venice grapples with the negative impact of over-tourism on its historic center. The city, which is only 7.6 square kilometers in size, welcomed nearly 13 million visitors in 2019, and the numbers are expected to rise in the coming years.

The ban on loudspeakers is aimed at (4)______ confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides. The excessive noise generated by large tourist groups has been a major concern for residents and authorities alike. By limiting the size of tourist groups, the city hopes to improve the management of visitors in the (5)______ center. These measures are part of a broader effort to strike a (6)______ between tourism and the preservation of Venice’s cultural heritage.

The impact of mass tourism on Venice has led to a decline in the number of residents, as many fear being overwhelmed by tourists. Citizen (7)______ have conducted studies to monitor the availability of accommodation for both tourists and locals. The results show that there are now more than 50,000 beds for tourists, (8)______ the number available to residents. This disparity has raised concerns about the sustainability of tourism in the city.

Venice’s struggle with over-tourism has also attracted international (9)______. In July, experts from UNESCO suggested that the city should be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to the impact of climate change and mass tourism. While Venice was not ultimately added to the list, the incident highlighted the need for a strategic vision to address the challenges faced by the city.

Venice is not the only destination grappling with over-tourism. (10)______ popular (11)______ cities, such as Florence and Rome, have (12)______ measures to manage the influx of tourists. These include banning new vacation rentals in historic (13)______ and imposing fines for inappropriate behavior. Similarly, other iconic destinations like (14)______ in Italy and Athens in Greece have introduced restrictions to protect their cultural heritage and manage visitor numbers.

In conclusion, Venice’s decision to ban loudspeakers and limit the size of tourist (15)______ is a step towards addressing the issue of over-tourism. The city is taking measures to strike a balance between tourism and the preservation of its cultural heritage. These actions are part of a broader trend among popular tourist destinations to manage the negative (16)______ of mass tourism.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the new measures implemented by Venice to address mass tourism?
2. How would you feel if you lived in a city that was overwhelmed by tourists?
3. Do you think limiting the size of tourist groups is an effective way to manage visitor numbers? Why or why not?
4. What do you think are the negative impacts of over-tourism on a city?
5. How would you feel if your city was added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to mass tourism?
6. Do you think it is important for popular tourist destinations to protect their cultural heritage? Why or why not?
7. What measures do you think your city could implement to manage the influx of tourists?
8. How do you think the decline in the number of residents in Venice due to over-tourism affects the city?
9. Do you think it is fair that there are more beds available for tourists than for residents in Venice? Why or why not?
10. How do you think climate change impacts the city of Venice?
11. Do you think other popular tourist destinations should follow Venice’s example and implement measures to manage mass tourism? Why or why not?
12. What do you think are the benefits of tourism for a city?
13. How do you think over-tourism can be balanced with the preservation of cultural heritage?
14. Do you think it is the responsibility of tourists to respect the cultural heritage of the places they visit? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has affected tourism in cities like Venice?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. destinations
2. restrict
3. grapples
4. disturbances
5. amplified
6. preservation
7. heritage
8. decline
9. overwhelmed
10. disparity
11. sustainability
12. strategic
13. influx
14. iconic
15. implemented

Meanings:
(A) Feeling defeated or powerless due to excessive demands or pressures
(B) Relating to the careful planning and management of resources
(C) A significant difference or inequality between two or more things
(D) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources
(E) To limit or control the extent of something
(F) Traditions, values, and historical sites that are passed down from past generations
(G) Places that people frequently travel to for leisure or interest
(H) A decrease or reduction over a period of time
(I) Recognized as having significant cultural, historical, or aesthetic value
(J) The arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
(K) Put into action or effect
(L) Struggles to deal with or overcome difficulties
(M) Increased in volume or intensity
(N) The act of maintaining or keeping something in its original state
(O) Interruptions or interruptions that disrupt peace or calm
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is one of the new measures that Venice has announced to address the issue of mass tourism?
(a) Banning the use of loudspeakers
(b) Increasing the size of tourist groups
(c) Encouraging more tourists to visit
(d) Building more accommodations for tourists

2. Why is the ban on loudspeakers being implemented in Venice?
(a) To attract more tourists to the city
(b) To reduce confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides
(c) To increase the size of tourist groups
(d) To preserve the city’s cultural heritage

3. What is the maximum number of people allowed in a tourist group in Venice?
(a) 25
(b) 50
(c) 100
(d) Unlimited

4. What is one of the concerns raised by the impact of mass tourism on Venice?
(a) The lack of available accommodations for tourists
(b) The need for more tourist attractions in the city
(c) The positive impact on the city’s economy
(d) The decline in the number of residents

5. What did experts from UNESCO suggest about Venice’s status as a world heritage site?
(a) It should be removed from the list of sites in danger
(b) It should be given more funding to address the impact of mass tourism
(c) It should be added to the list of sites in danger
(d) It should be promoted as a top tourist destination

6. Which other European cities have implemented measures to manage over-tourism?
(a) Berlin and Madrid
(b) Florence and Rome
(c) London and Paris
(d) Amsterdam and Barcelona

7. What is one of the measures implemented by other popular tourist destinations to manage visitor numbers?
(a) Encouraging more tourists to visit
(b) Building more accommodations for tourists
(c) Allowing unlimited group sizes for tourists
(d) Banning new vacation rentals in historic areas

8. What is the purpose of Venice’s new measures to address over-tourism?
(a) To attract more tourists to the city
(b) To increase the size of tourist groups
(c) To strike a balance between tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage
(d) To prioritize the needs of residents over tourists

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The city will allow the use of loudspeakers starting from June.
2. Venice did not welcome nearly 13 million visitors in 2019.
3. The ban on loudspeakers aims to reduce confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides.
4. Experts from UNESCO suggested that Venice should be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger.
5. Other popular European cities, such as Florence and Rome, have not implemented measures to manage the influx of tourists.
6. Tourist groups in Venice will be restricted to a maximum of 25 people.
7. Venice has seen a decline in the number of residents due to mass tourism.
8. Venice is not one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the new measures that Venice has announced to address mass tourism?
2. Why is the ban on loudspeakers being implemented in Venice?
3. How has mass tourism affected the number of residents in Venice?
4. What international attention did Venice attract in relation to over-tourism?
5. What are some examples of other popular European cities that have implemented measures to manage the influx of tourists?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What new measures has Venice announced to address the issue of mass tourism?
Venice has announced that it will ban the use of loudspeakers and restrict tourist groups to a maximum of 25 people.

2. Why is the use of loudspeakers being banned in Venice?
The use of loudspeakers is being banned in Venice to reduce confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides.

3. How many visitors did Venice welcome in 2019?
Venice welcomed nearly 13 million visitors in 2019.

4. What is the purpose of limiting the size of tourist groups in Venice?
The purpose of limiting the size of tourist groups in Venice is to improve the management of visitors in the historic center.

5. What concerns have been raised about the availability of accommodation in Venice?
Concerns have been raised about the availability of accommodation in Venice as there are now more than 50,000 beds for tourists, surpassing the number available to residents.

6. What international organization suggested that Venice be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger?
Experts from UNESCO suggested that Venice should be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger.

7. What measures have other European cities implemented to manage over-tourism?
Other European cities have implemented measures such as banning new vacation rentals in historic areas and imposing fines for inappropriate behavior.

8. What is the goal of Venice’s decision to ban loudspeakers and limit the size of tourist groups?
The goal of Venice’s decision to ban loudspeakers and limit the size of tourist groups is to strike a balance between tourism and the preservation of its cultural heritage.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) destinations
(2) loudspeakers
(3) decision
(4) reducing
(5) historic
(6) balance
(7) associations
(8) surpassing
(9) attention
(10) Other
(11) European
(12) implemented
(13) areas
(14) Portofino
(15) groups
(16) impacts
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. destinations
Answer: (G) Places that people frequently travel to for leisure or interest

2. restrict
Answer: (E) To limit or control the extent of something

3. grapples
Answer: (L) Struggles to deal with or overcome difficulties

4. disturbances
Answer: (O) Interruptions or interruptions that disrupt peace or calm

5. amplified
Answer: (M) Increased in volume or intensity

6. preservation
Answer: (N) The act of maintaining or keeping something in its original state

7. heritage
Answer: (F) Traditions, values, and historical sites that are passed down from past generations

8. decline
Answer: (H) A decrease or reduction over a period of time

9. overwhelmed
Answer: (A) Feeling defeated or powerless due to excessive demands or pressures

10. disparity
Answer: (C) A significant difference or inequality between two or more things

11. sustainability
Answer: (D) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources

12. strategic
Answer: (B) Relating to the careful planning and management of resources

13. influx
Answer: (J) The arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things

14. iconic
Answer: (I) Recognized as having significant cultural, historical, or aesthetic value

15. implemented
Answer: (K) Put into action or effect
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is one of the new measures that Venice has announced to address the issue of mass tourism?
Answer: (a) Banning the use of loudspeakers

2. Why is the ban on loudspeakers being implemented in Venice?
Answer: (b) To reduce confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides

3. What is the maximum number of people allowed in a tourist group in Venice?
Answer: (a) 25

4. What is one of the concerns raised by the impact of mass tourism on Venice?
Answer: (d) The decline in the number of residents

5. What did experts from UNESCO suggest about Venice’s status as a world heritage site?
Answer: (c) It should be added to the list of sites in danger

6. Which other European cities have implemented measures to manage over-tourism?
Answer: (b) Florence and Rome

7. What is one of the measures implemented by other popular tourist destinations to manage visitor numbers?
Answer: (d) Banning new vacation rentals in historic areas

8. What is the purpose of Venice’s new measures to address over-tourism?
Answer: (c) To strike a balance between tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The city will allow the use of loudspeakers starting from June. (Answer: False)
2. Venice did not welcome nearly 13 million visitors in 2019. (Answer: False)
3. The ban on loudspeakers aims to reduce confusion and disturbances caused by amplified tour guides. (Answer: True)
4. Experts from UNESCO suggested that Venice should be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger. (Answer: True)
5. Other popular European cities, such as Florence and Rome, have not implemented measures to manage the influx of tourists. (Answer: False)
6. Tourist groups in Venice will be restricted to a maximum of 25 people. (Answer: True)
7. Venice has seen a decline in the number of residents due to mass tourism. (Answer: True)
8. Venice is not one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧