Venice Reinstates Entry Fee: EUR10 for Day Visitors

In a bid to manage the overwhelming influx of tourists, Venice has announced that it will once again implement an entry fee for day visitors, set at EUR10. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, when the fee was only EUR5 during its inaugural implementation.

The new fee structure will take effect starting this Easter, with entry charges applicable from Good Friday through the first weekend of May, totaling 54 days throughout the year, extending almost until August. Early booking will still be incentivized, allowing visitors to secure tickets for only EUR5 if purchased well in advance. However, those who wait until the last minute will face the full EUR10 charge.

Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has emphasized the city's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by mass tourism. He stated the aim is to discourage visitors during peak times and manage the flow of tourists more effectively. This initiative reflects Venice's status as the first city globally to confront the issue of overtourism.

During the previous season, the city recorded approximately 485,000 paying visitors, generating over EUR2.4 million in revenue. Despite this success, many tourists managed to avoid the fee, indicating that the costs associated with the system's development and operation have not yet been fully recovered. Notably, overnight guests remain exempt from this entry charge, although they are still subject to a tourist tax.

The sheer volume of visitors presents both financial benefits and significant challenges for the city. With a resident population of fewer than 50,000 in the historic center, which is home to numerous canals, the number of available guest accommodations exceeds 50,000. Annually, more than 15 million tourists flock to the city, a trend that continues to rise. This has led to overcrowding, particularly in the narrow streets surrounding popular landmarks such as St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.

While the new entry fee aims to regulate tourist numbers, there are concerns about its effectiveness, as EUR10 may not deter the majority of visitors. In fact, the cost of a cappuccino in St. Mark's Square often exceeds the entry fee itself. Local residents continue to enjoy free access to the city, alongside certain exempt groups, such as children under 14.

The city's officials have opted not to establish a cap on visitor numbers, allowing for continuous access to the city. Visitors can conveniently purchase their entry tickets online, receiving a QR code to present upon arrival. This model is gaining traction in other cities grappling with similar tourism challenges.