Venice to ban large tourist groups and loudspeakers

Venice is to ban loudspeakers and tourist groups of more than 25 people, in a bid to ease the impact of mass tourism on the Italian city.

The new rules will come into effect from June, the city said in a statement.

The use of loudspeakers has been banned as they can "generate confusion and disturbances", it added.

Over-tourism is widely recognised as an urgent issue for the canal city, one of the most visited places in Europe.

In September, Venice approved the trial of a €5 (£4.30; $5.35) fee for daily visitors.