Brits travelling to Venice could soon face a new £43 charge as the city's mayor proposes a significant hike to the existing tourist entry fee. Simone Venturini, the newly elected mayor of Venice, is advocating for an increase in the controversial fee that was introduced in 2024.
Current Fee Structure
Venice made history in 2024 as the first tourist destination to charge an entry fee. Initially set at €5 (approximately £4.30) on peak days between April and July, the fee was later expanded to include more days and increased to €10 (around £8.60) for last-minute arrivals.
Proposed Increase
Mayor Venturini now wants to raise the fee to between €30 and €50 (roughly £26 to £43). 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." He believes this will further discourage tourists from visiting during peak times.
Venice attracts an estimated 30 million visitors annually, far outnumbering its local population, which has declined from around 170,000 in 1950 to approximately 48,000 today. Politicians argue that the charge helps ease overcrowding in the ancient city.
Opposition and Criticism
Critics argue the fee has had little impact on visitor numbers. Many tourists view it as "relatively insignificant" compared to other costs like a glass of wine or a pint, according to The Telegraph. Former mayor Massimo Cacciari called the fee "barbarous," stating: "There is no other city in Italy or Europe where you have to enter with a ticket, as though it was a museum. It is barbarous, uncivilised and, in my opinion, against the constitution."
Some business owners, however, want the fee to be even higher. Jewellery shop owner Setrak Tokatzian suggested a €100 charge. Tourism commentator Doug Lansky, known as ReThinkingTourism, noted that the current €5 fee is unlikely to deter anyone, comparing it to the cost of a cappuccino or bottle of water at a concert.
The proposed increase raises concerns about affordability for less well-off tourists, but supporters believe it is necessary to protect Venice's fragile infrastructure and heritage.
