Britons planning a trip to Venice could soon be hit with a new £43 levy as the city's mayor proposes a significant increase to the entry fee. Simone Venturini, the newly appointed mayor, is pushing to raise the charge from the current €10 (£8.60) to as much as €50 (£43) to combat overtourism.
Venice made history in 2024 as the first tourist destination to impose an entry fee, initially set at €5 on busy days. The scheme was later expanded, with last-minute visitors facing a €10 charge. Approximately 30 million people visit the historic city annually, far exceeding its resident population of around 48,000.
Mayor Venturini argues that a higher fee will further discourage tourists during peak periods. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, he said: "If today it ranges from €5 to €10, my proposal is to increase it to €30 to €50." However, critics claim the current fee has had minimal impact on visitor numbers, with many viewing it as insignificant compared to other holiday costs.
Former mayor Massimo Cacciari described the fee as "barbarous" and "uncivilised", stating: "There is no other city in Italy or Europe where you have to enter with a ticket, as though it was a museum." Some business owners, like jeweller Setrak Tokatzian, have even called for a €100 levy to be introduced.
Tourism expert Doug Lansky predicted the €5 charge would have no effect, noting: "€5 isn't enough to get me to choose one dinner entree over another." The proposed hike comes as Venice's population has plummeted from 170,000 in 1950 to just 48,000 today, highlighting the strain of overtourism on the city.
