British Couple Banned from Venice for Swimming in Grand Canal

A British couple has been banned from Venice after they were caught swimming in the Grand Canal. The incident involved a 35-year-old British man and his 25-year-old Romanian partner, who were reported to local authorities by gondoliers witnessing their swim. As a result, the couple was fined €480 and ordered to leave the city for a duration of 48 hours.

Swimming in any of Venice’s 150 canals is strictly prohibited. City officials are under increasing pressure to enforce stricter penalties for those who violate this rule. In fact, since the beginning of 2023, authorities have removed thousands of tourists for various infractions against local regulations.

Growing Concerns Over Tourist Behavior

Campaign groups, such as “Venice is not Disneyland,” have called for harsher measures against tourists who disregard the city’s regulations. Some advocates suggest that repeat offenders should face permanent bans from the city, aiming to protect Venice’s cultural integrity and public decorum.

Despite the risks, some visitors continue to engage in reckless behavior. Notable incidents include tourists diving into the Grand Canal from the iconic Rialto Bridge and even jet-skiing on the waterways. Earlier this summer, a man gained attention for jumping into the water from a height of 30 feet, highlighting the ongoing challenge authorities face in managing tourist conduct.

Venice City Councillor Elisabetta Pesce emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing what she termed “disrespectful and uncivilised” behavior. She praised the gondoliers for their vigilance, stating, “I thank the gondoliers for their cooperation and timely reporting, which allowed our local police to intervene immediately.” Councillor Pesce further noted that protecting Venice is about maintaining the dignity of a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tourism Regulations and Future Measures

In response to the overwhelming number of visitors, Venice has implemented various initiatives to manage tourist footfall. Earlier this year, the city trialed a daily access fee of €10 for tourists visiting during peak hours from 08:30 to 16:00. This measure aims to reduce the impact of day-trippers, as approximately 70% of Venice’s 30 million annual visitors stay less than a day.

Some local business owners have proposed raising the access fee to as high as €100 per day. This suggestion reflects a growing consensus among residents that significant action is necessary to address the “obscene rivers of tourists” flooding the city.

As Venice grapples with these challenges, the recent incident involving the British couple serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in preserving the city’s cultural heritage. Local authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to ensure that both residents and visitors enjoy the unique beauty of Venice without compromising its integrity.