Venice will extend its day-tripper tax into next year, doubling the fee to €10 for last-minute visitors in an effort to combat overtourism and protect the city from large crowds. The pilot program was launched earlier this year and will be expanded to cover more days in 2023. The tax will be applied on Fridays through Sundays and holidays from April to August, totaling 54 days. Tourists who do not make reservations in advance will be subject to the increased fee. Exemptions will be granted to residents, students, workers, and overnight guests.
The entry fee aims to reduce overcrowding in Venice, encourage longer visits, and improve the quality of life for residents. Those who do not have the required documentation will face fines ranging from €50 to €300, in addition to the €10 entrance fee. The tax will only be enforced during peak hours, with exemptions for various groups of people. Visitors staying in Venice overnight are exempt from the charge, as they already pay a tourist tax. The fee is not required for residents of Venice or the Veneto region, as well as individuals born in the city.
Venice has long struggled with overtourism, with estimated visitor numbers ranging from 25 to 30 million per year, including day-trippers. The pandemic delayed the implementation of the day-tripper tax, which has become a crucial part of the city’s efforts to manage overtourism. The city faced being placed on UNESCO’s list of endangered world heritage sites due to the impact of tourism but narrowly avoided it by introducing measures like the day-tripper tax. The influx of tourists has put a strain on Venice’s resources and services, leading to residents moving to the mainland.
At the end of the initial trial phase, the entry fee generated €2.4 million and recorded about 1,000 entrances per day. While some officials consider it a success in managing overtourism, critics argue that it did not deter as many visitors as expected. Opponents claim that the access fee failed to control the flow of tourists and actually saw an increase in the number of entries during the trial period. Despite differing opinions on its effectiveness, the day-tripper tax remains a pivotal part of Venice’s strategy to address overtourism and protect its cultural heritage.
The fee will help Venice better manage the influx of tourists and relieve the pressure of overtourism that the city has long struggled with. By introducing restrictions on day-trippers and increasing the fee for last-minute visitors, Venice aims to create a more sustainable tourism model that benefits both residents and tourists. The program will continue to be evaluated and adjusted based on its impact on visitor numbers and the overall tourism experience in the city. Ultimately, the entry fee is intended to strike a balance between preserving Venice’s unique cultural heritage and providing a positive experience for visitors.
