The iconic city of Venice has taken an unprecedented step in tourism management by implementing a mandatory entry fee for day visitors. Starting today, tourists who visit the UNESCO World Heritage site without staying overnight must pay €5 to access the historic centre.
The controversial measure, described by officials as a "world-first experiment," aims to discourage day-trippers during peak periods and generate revenue for city maintenance. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stated the fee is necessary to preserve Venice's delicate ecosystem from the pressures of mass tourism.
How the new system works
Day visitors aged 14 and above must purchase their entry ticket online via the official Venice access platform. The fee applies on 29 specific peak days between April and July, primarily during weekends and holidays.
Exemptions apply to residents, students, workers, and tourists with hotel reservations. Random checks will be conducted at key access points, with fines ranging from €50 to €300 for those without valid tickets.
Mixed reactions from locals and businesses
The initiative has sparked debate among Venetians. Some shopkeepers fear it might deter visitors, while residents supporting the measure hope it will reduce congestion in already overcrowded areas like St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.
"We're not closing the city," assured Mayor Brugnaro. "We're just trying to manage tourism flows more sustainably. Venice cannot continue being treated as an open-air museum without consequences."
A city at a crossroads
Venice, which welcomes approximately 20 million visitors annually, has been grappling with overtourism for decades. The city's population has dwindled to under 50,000 residents, raising concerns about its viability as a living city rather than a tourist attraction.
This radical approach follows other measures introduced in recent years, including bans on large cruise ships entering the Giudecca Canal and restrictions on new tourist accommodation.
Whether this entry fee becomes a permanent fixture or inspires similar measures in other overtouristed destinations remains to be seen. For now, Venice stands as a pioneer in the global battle against unsustainable tourism.
