Venice To Ban Loudspeakers: Limit Tourist Groups To 25 People

Jan 1 2024

Starting from June, Venice is implementing measures to alleviate the impact of mass tourism, including banning loudspeakers and limiting tourist groups to 25 people.

The ban on loudspeakers is aimed at preventing confusion and disturbances caused by their use. With over-tourism recognised as a pressing issue in this popular European destination, these regulations aim to enhance the management of organised groups in the historic centre.

Venice, covering only 7.6 sq km, hosted almost 13 million tourists in 2019, a number expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

As more residents leave due to concerns about overwhelming tourism, citizen associations have been monitoring available beds, revealing an imbalance favouring tourists. UNESCO experts, in July, suggested adding Venice to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to climate change and mass tourism, blaming Italian authorities for a lack of strategic vision.

Although not added to the list, the debate prompted measures such as banning large cruise ships from the historic centre in 2021. Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano highlighted efforts, including anti-flooding systems and tourist entry fees, acknowledging UNESCO’s recognition of attempts to address Venice’s challenges.

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Thousands Gather In Valletta For New Year’s Eve 2024 Celebrations

Jan 1 2024

Thousands of people celebrated together to welcome the beginning of 2024 in Valletta, in an atmosphere of celebration, in the heart of Malta’s capital. In fact, the number of Maltese and tourists in Valletta last night has exceeded 50,000, a number that underlined once again the success of the event.

The national New Year’s Eve celebrations were staged live from St George’s Square, with the participation of a large number of loved and renowned Maltese singers and musicians. These festivities concluded a whole month of events organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency as part of the series ‘Christmas in the Capital’.

This large-scale event augurs well for new opportunities and initiatives which the Valletta Cultural Agency has prepared, in the heart of Malta’s capital, over the coming months. The night started with Lara and the Jukeboys band. Then it was up to the The Palace String Orchestra led by Ryan Paul Abela together with an outstanding line-up of some of Malta’s top local talent including AIDAN, Drakard, Klinsmann, Jasmine, Megan May, Sarah Bonnici, as well as special guest Emma Muscat.

Just before countdown, the hosts together with and DJ Koroma & DJ Miggy entertained the crowd in Valletta and live on local TV stations with a special mash-up set of the best dance anthems together with stage special effects and fireworks which welcomed the New Year in style.

The event was hosted by Ron, Taryn Mamo Cefai and Keane Cutajar. The National New Year’s Eve Celebration was organised by G7 Events, supported by a Partnership Agreement with the Valletta Cultural Agency within the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, with the contribution of the Malta Tourism Authority.

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303 Dogs Found Homes In 2023 Thanks To AAA

Jan 1 2024

As the year draws to a close, the Association for Abandoned Animals released a post on social media revealing that 303 dogs were homed due to their constant efforts.

‘Another year has passed. A year filled with moments of despair and tears, but a year filled as well with joy and success’.

303 dogs and 3 cats found new loving homes, with the AAA explaining that this was no easy feat, considering that many came to them in the worst shape and in need of immediate medical care.

The association also managed to reunite 5 dogs with their owners and continued to pressure authorities for better laws and rights when it comes to animals.

Over 1200 free neutering vouchers were also handed out. ‘Let’s hope for a better year with less animal abuse and abandonment’, the AAA concluded.

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90% Of New Year’s Resolutions Fail Within A Few Months

Jan 1 2024

Whether it’s fitness goals, new relationships or hobbies, setting New Year’s Resolutions is a very common phenomenon worldwide.

Despite the air of hope and optimism, statistics reveal that over 90% of these resolutions face abandonment within a few months.

Experts have various explanations for this trend, including the tendency to formulate resolutions around grand, all-encompassing changes, like altering eating habits or mastering a new language.

Psychologists suggest that humans are not inherently inclined toward monumental shifts, making it challenging to adhere to such resolutions.

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Approximately 50% of resolutions fail due to unrealistic goal-setting or ambiguity about desired outcomes. A recommended strategy is to establish smaller, more manageable goals, allowing for a gradual integration of sustainable changes rather than a radical life overhaul.

Lack of clarity regarding the underlying reasons for change also contributes to resolution failures. Understanding the purpose behind a resolution, such as going to the gym for fitness or improved well-being, enhances the likelihood of success.

Additionally, a crucial factor in resolution success lies in being psychologically prepared for change.

Have you set any resolutions this year?

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