Venice is implementing a new tourist entry fee of five euros in an effort to manage the large influx of visitors to the city. The fee will be in place for 30 days, mainly around holidays and weekends, starting in late April and through mid-July. The goal of the fee is not to make money, but to better manage the number of tourists and discourage mass tourism, which has created difficulties for residents.
Visitors to Venice will have to register their presence on specified days, providing officials with valuable data on expected visitor numbers. Overnight visitors, those traveling for work or to visit family, minors, and city residents are exempt from the fee. The city is not imposing a cap on the number of visitors allowed in, but wants to ensure that tourism is sustainable and manageable. The new measures aim to protect the delicate and beautiful city from the negative impacts of climate change and rising seas, as well as mass tourism.
Venice has taken various steps to protect its unique heritage, including installing giant gates to keep seawater out and banning cruise ships from the inner canals. Despite concerns raised by UNESCO, the city has managed to stay off the organization’s list of endangered World Heritage sites. The mayor has criticized the central government for not renewing funding to help preserve Venice, and has requested financial support to address ongoing maintenance needs.
The new entry fee system will require visitors to register online and receive a QR code, which must be shown at various entry points to the city. Spot checks will be conducted to ensure compliance, with fines imposed on those who do not have the required documentation. The initiative is being implemented on a trial basis to assess its effectiveness and potential improvements, with the possibility of adjusting the fee based on demand in the future.
More than 50,000 people have already registered through the website, with a third of them paying for one-day visits. The city hopes that the new measures will help protect Venice while still allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty. Mayor Brugnaro has acknowledged that the system may cause inconvenience to some tourists, but emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the city for future generations. Venice aims to be a model for other cities facing similar challenges with managing tourism.
