Venice Implements Armed Guards to Manage Tourist Overcrowding

In response to the escalating influx of tourists, Venice has taken measures by employing armed guards to manage the burgeoning crowds, reminiscent of pre-pandemic visitor levels.

According to CNN, armed guards now patrol key waterbus stops in Venice, tasked with regulating the surging tourist population. The city’s recent implementation of the Smart Control Room monitoring system reveals staggering statistics, with up to 80,000 tourists flooding into the city daily.

Local publication Il Gazzettino further underscores the imbalance, reporting that the number of visitors exceeds Venetian locals by over 50%.

Addressing the challenges faced by the city’s transportation workers, Danilo Scattolin, a legal representative for the Sindacato Generale di Base (SGB) trade union in Venice, spoke to CNN about the frustrations experienced due to long queues, leading to physical altercations and heightened tensions. The need for armed guards to ensure staff safety reflects a disconcerting reality for the city.

While not mandated to carry weapons, many guards, licensed to do so, choose to arm themselves, CNN reveals.

During peak hours, queues swell to “hundreds-strong” at various waterbus stops, creating logistical challenges for staff. Despite seasonal fluctuations, the analysis indicates minimal variance in service frequency, exacerbating the strain on transportation infrastructure.

Giovanni Santoro of Azienda Veneziana della Mobilità (AVM) acknowledges the increased pressure faced by workers, highlighting the significant improvement in safety with the presence of armed guards.

However, concerns persist regarding social distancing, especially as Venice transitions to a designated “white zone,” allowing for higher capacity on public transport. Reports of overcrowded boats raise apprehensions about public health risks, particularly as COVID-19 cases remain a concern.

Thea Hawlin, a resident of Murano, emphasizes the inherent dangers posed by overcrowded queues, underscoring that the issue predates the pandemic.

As Venice grapples with managing its tourist influx, representatives from relevant authorities remain silent, leaving questions unanswered amidst mounting challenges.