Venice introduces entry fee for day-trippers to combat overtourism
In a pioneering move, Venice, Italy has implemented a 5 euro entry fee for day-trippers to address the issue of overtourism during busy periods. This groundbreaking measure marks the world's first attempt at managing excessive tourism in the iconic canal city.
April 25 is an important day in Venice for two reasons. It is Italy's Liberation Day and also the feast day of the city's patron saint, St. Mark.
This year, April 25 will make history in Venice once again. The city will become the first in the world to charge day-trippers an entry fee.
The access contribution, which is essentially a fee for visitors, began at 8 a.m. this morning in Venice. Instead of calling it a ticket, it is referred to as an 'access contribution'. The city council is testing this pilot project until mid July to evaluate its effectiveness.
If you are a tourist visiting Venice for the day, you will need to pay a 5 euro ($5.40) charge. This rule applies to everyone except for those who live in the Veneto region. The fee is required for visitors arriving between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tourists staying overnight in Venice do not need to pay a separate tax, as it is already included in their accommodation fees. However, they are still required to register their presence to be exempt from the fee. This means that anyone visiting the city on days when the fee is applicable must have either a ticket or an exemption. The only individuals exempt from this rule are Venice residents and those born in the city.
According to a spokesperson from the tourist board interviewed by CNN, 82,000 people registered for entry on the first day, which was a national holiday in Italy. However, it was noted that only around one in 10 visitors actually paid the fee.
According to a report by the local Il Gazzettino newspaper, only 7,266 individuals actually paid the fee. The majority of others were exempt from the fee, including over 30,000 hotel guests, 15,000 commuters, 11,000 students, and almost 10,000 Veneto residents.
The long awaited Venice day tripper tax is coming into force in 2024.
The long awaited Venice day tripper tax is coming into force in 2024.
Andrea Merola/Bloomberg/Getty Images
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Problems and protests
Previously, more than 100,000 people poured into Venice on some holidays, leading to scenes like this in 2017.
Previously, more than 100,000 people poured into Venice on some holidays, leading to scenes like this in 2017.
Stefano Mazzola/Awakening/Getty Images
The registration scheme has brought attention to the housing issues faced by residents. On the first day, 5,300 people signed up to become second home owners in the city. The number of Venetian residents has now dropped to less than 50,000, as many have been pushed out to accommodate second homes and Airbnbs.
The remaining individuals entering the city consist of school groups and guests of current residents.
In preparation for the first day, the council has been busy setting up checkpoints outside the train and bus terminals. They have created separate lines for residents, exemptions, and those who need to pay the fee. Additionally, there is a booth outside the train station where arrivals can either pay the fee or register for an exemption.
The fee will be in effect for 29 days leading up to July 14. Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, has mentioned that they will assess the success of the pilot project before deciding on next steps.
The fee has caused concern among Venetians who worry it could make the city feel like a tourist attraction and are unhappy about having to register their guests.
According to a spokesperson from the tourist board, an additional 80,000 individuals have signed up to visit the city on Friday, with more expected on Saturday. On national holidays, the city can see over 100,000 day-trippers, significantly increasing the usual number of visitors.
As some locals geared up to protest the introduction of the fee, fully booked trains were pouring into the city from Milan and Rome.
Barbie Latza Nadeau in Rome contributed to this story
Editor's P/S:
The implementation of an entry fee for day-trippers in Venice has sparked mixed reactions. While the city council aims to reduce overcrowding and protect the delicate ecosystem, some Venetians fear it will further commodify the city and displace residents. The registration scheme has also highlighted the housing crisis, with the number of Venetian residents plummeting due to the influx of second homes and vacation rentals.
Despite the concerns, the pilot project will provide valuable data for the city to evaluate the effectiveness of the fee. The success of the scheme will depend on balancing the needs of tourism with the preservation of Venice's unique character and the well-being of its residents. Further monitoring and adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the fee achieves its intended goals without exacerbating existing challenges.
