Venice, known as the City of Canals, is cracking down on tourists who treat the historic city like a pit stop by introducing a new entry fee for day-trippers. The fee targets visitors who come to Venice just to take a quick selfie and leave without contributing to the local economy. This measure aims to reduce the number of “eat and flee” tourists and promote a more respectful approach to tourism in the city.
The entry fee, which was first introduced last year, has now returned with a price increase for last-minute visitors. Those who book their visit on short notice will have to pay 10 euros instead of the usual 5 euros. The goal of this fee is to discourage freeloaders and raise awareness about the fragility of Venice, a city that is struggling under the weight of mass tourism.
Simone Venturini, Venice’s tourism chief, believes that the entry fee is a crucial tool to protect the city’s unique cultural heritage and generate additional revenue to support local initiatives. However, some critics argue that the fee is not effective in controlling tourist numbers and that Venice needs a more comprehensive strategy to address over-tourism.
Despite the mixed reactions, the entry fee has managed to generate significant revenue for the city. Last year, the program raised approximately $3.2 million, which was used to cover operating costs. This year, the fee will be applicable on more days to prevent overcrowding during peak tourist seasons.
Certain groups, such as overnight guests, locals, workers, students, and visitors with family in Venice, are exempt from paying the entry fee. They can obtain a QR code to prove their eligibility for the exemption. The success of Venice’s entry fee has attracted interest from other cities facing similar challenges, such as Kyoto, Zermatt, and Formentera.
Ultimately, the debate over Venice’s entry fee reflects a larger struggle to balance tourism with the preservation of the city’s cultural identity. While some argue that the fee is necessary to protect Venice from becoming a tourist theme park, others believe that more holistic solutions are needed to address the root causes of over-tourism. As Venice continues to navigate these challenges, visitors are reminded to respect the city’s heritage and contribute positively to its economy.
