British tourists expelled from Venice for swimming in the Grand Canal: what happened

A British couple stopped for swimming in Venice

A British couple faced an unexpected end to their vacation in Venice due to swimming in the Grand Canal. For this extravagant act, they had to pay a hefty fine and leave the city for 48 hours. This was reported by

Glavcom

citing CNN.

The incident occurred near the Accademia Bridge, not far from St. Mark's Square. The 35-year-old man and his 25-year-old girlfriend were forced to leave Venice on the same day they arrived. Local gondoliers, who noticed their aquatic adventures, immediately called the police.

Fine and measures against 'over-tourism'

The deputy commander of the Venice police, Gianni Franco, said that the couple was fined 450 euros each. This became the 1136th case of rule violations this year, affecting tourists. Members of the Venice city council on security stated that it is necessary to protect the city from disrespect. The city needs order for local residents and visitors who should behave civilized.

• a contribution of 10 euros for entry on weekends and holidays;
• a ban on tour groups of more than 25 people;
• a ban on using loudspeakers;
• a ban on standing in narrow alleys to listen to guides.

The measures taken aim to promote a more sustainable form of tourism that helps protect the city and its residents.

A couple of tourists from Great Britain violated diving regulations in Venice, leading to a fine and a temporary ban on staying in the city. Local authorities are intensifying control over visitors to ensure tidier tourism and protect the environment.