In a bid to preserve the integrity of the historic city, Venice has announced it will increase the frequency of its entrance fee initiative for tourists. Effective from April through July 2025, visitors will be required to pay €5 for access on busy days and €10 for last-minute bookings. This move follows a successful trial run in 2023, which garnered significant funds for the city, despite criticism regarding its effectiveness in managing tourist flow.
Venice Expands Tourist Entry Fee Until 2025 to Combat Overtourism
Venice Expands Tourist Entry Fee Until 2025 to Combat Overtourism
Venice is set to double the days of its tourist entry fee by 2025 in response to successful initial trials aimed at managing overtourism.
The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, emphasized that the intention behind the fee is to encourage a more respectful interaction with the city. The initiative will apply every Friday to Sunday, and on public holidays, totaling 54 days of charges. Tourists over the age of 14 must purchase the ticket in advance via their phones, or risk hefty fines if caught without proof of payment by inspectors stationed at common entry points like train stations.
Notably, exceptions will remain for local residents, students, and those with accommodations booked in advance. The city collected approximately €2.4 million in fees during the initial trial, but local officials continue to evaluate its long-term viability and impact on tourist patterns. Critics argue that the fees do little to alleviate the issue of overtourism and may even render Venice a "museum," while UNESCO has raised concerns about the threats posed by tourism and climate change to the city’s heritage.
Overall, Venice aims to become a model for proactive measures against the challenges of global tourism, balancing the influx of visitors with the need to protect its unique cultural landscape.
Notably, exceptions will remain for local residents, students, and those with accommodations booked in advance. The city collected approximately €2.4 million in fees during the initial trial, but local officials continue to evaluate its long-term viability and impact on tourist patterns. Critics argue that the fees do little to alleviate the issue of overtourism and may even render Venice a "museum," while UNESCO has raised concerns about the threats posed by tourism and climate change to the city’s heritage.
Overall, Venice aims to become a model for proactive measures against the challenges of global tourism, balancing the influx of visitors with the need to protect its unique cultural landscape.
