Venice Implements Entry Fee to Combat Over-Tourism
In an effort to protect the city from excess tourism, Venice has introduced a new scheme where day-trippers will be required to pay an entry fee of €5 (approximately $5.35).
Key Details of the New Entry Fee System
- A pilot programme has been launched to charge day-trippers entering Venice.
- The entry fee aims to discourage visitors on peak days and improve the quality of life for residents.
- Signs have been placed at key arrival points to inform visitors about the new requirement.
- A test phase of 29 days in July will evaluate the effectiveness of the entry fee system.
Implementation of the Entry Fee System
Authorities have taken several steps to prepare for charging tourists:
- Placement of signs outside the main train station and other arrival points.
- Training of 200 stewards to educate visitors about the fees and QR code process.
- Setup of a kiosk for tourists without smartphones to pay the entry fee.
- Random checks at entry ports to ensure compliance with the day-tripper tax.
The entry fee is only applicable to visitors entering the city between 8:30 am and 4 pm. Those arriving outside these hours are exempt from the fee.
Response from Venice’s Tourism Official
Simone Venturini, a tourism official in Venice, emphasized the need to strike a balance between tourists and residents to preserve the city’s spaces and discourage overcrowding on specific days.
Support for the Entry Fee System
The decision to charge day-trippers comes after UNESCO recommended Venice for inclusion in its list of world heritage sites in danger due to the negative impact of mass tourism.
Authorities in Venice have long sought ways to manage the influx of tourists to popular attractions like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, with concerns about potential revenue loss and impact on freedom of movement.