- The mayor of the city, Luidi Brugnaro, indicated that the measure seeks to contain mass tourism
The city of Venice, in Italy, approved on October 24 to reintroduce in 2025 the entrance payment system that it tested in recent months, with the aim of containing excess tourism. In addition, it will double the rate to 10 euros ($10.8 at the exchange rate) for visitors who book at short notice.
“We are the first city in the world that faces overtourism, the weight of tourists that the city supports every day. “We are not against tourism, but we believe that it can be diluted in time and space,” the mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, said in a press conference.
Venice, the city of canals, has already tested, between April 25 and July 14, 2024, an experimental “toll” system by which each arriving tourist had to reserve a ticket that cost 5 euros.
The objective of the measure was to contain mass tourism and avoid the crowds that frequently form between its streets and palaces.
After the previous experience, now the city council has approved the implementation of the same system but toughened.
The entrance fee will be 10 euros if you cancel “at the last minute”
The days on which tourists will have to pay this toll increase from 29 to 54, especially on Fridays and weekends, as well as holidays from April 18 to July 27, 2025.
However, the mayor indicated that “as a novelty” the price will depend on how far in advance it is reserved: the ticket will cost 5 euros for those who reserve in advance, while you will pay 10 if you reserve four days before.
“The obligation to reserve implies being able to predict the number of people who will arrive to give them better hospitality,” he alleged.
As on the previous occasion, citizens of the region, workers and students, as well as tourists who prove that they will spend the night in one of the city’s hotels, will be exempt from paying. However, they must make the reservation.
The fines for entering without having paid range between 50 and 300 euros.
Tourists in Venice
In 2024, the Venice authorities recorded a total of 485,062 toll payments, for which the municipal coffers had income of approximately 2,425,310 euros.
However, some neighborhood associations consider that the measure has not reduced tourism and consider it merely to collect revenue.
Venice has especially suffered from the outbreak of mass tourism, especially from single-day visitors arriving on cruise ships, while suffering unstoppable depopulation that in 2022 dropped below 50,000 inhabitants for the first time in its historic center.
With information from EFE
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Interview with Mayor Luigi Brugnaro of Venice on the New Entrance Fee for Tourists
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Brugnaro. On October 24, the city approved the reintroduction of the entrance fee system for tourists. Can you explain the rationale behind this decision?
Mayor Brugnaro: Thank you for having me. The primary goal is to manage the excessive tourism that Venice experiences. We love tourism and welcome visitors, but our city cannot accommodate the sheer volume of people all at once. This measure allows us to spread out tourist traffic over time and space, which is essential for maintaining our cultural and environmental heritage.
Editor: The fee is set at 5 euros for advance reservations and will double to 10 euros for last-minute bookings. What do you hope to achieve with these price tiers?
Mayor Brugnaro: By incentivizing early reservations, we can better predict and prepare for the number of visitors. This will help us enhance the experience for both tourists and our residents. We want to create a more enjoyable atmosphere that benefits everyone—there’s a significant difference in managing tourism levels on a busy weekend compared to a quieter weekday.
Editor: You mentioned that the number of days requiring this entrance fee will increase from 29 to 54. What are the considerations behind this expansion?
Mayor Brugnaro: We have observed patterns in tourist behavior, predominantly on weekends and holidays. By extending the fee’s enforcement, we aim to reduce overcrowding during these peak times. It’s a proactive approach to ensure that visitors can enjoy our beautiful city without the overwhelming presence of large crowds.
Editor: How will this measure affect local residents and those visiting for longer stays?
Mayor Brugnaro: Good question. Locals, workers, and students will be exempt from the fee, as well as tourists who can demonstrate that they have booked accommodation within the city. This ensures that we still support those who contribute to the community while managing the inflow of tourists.
Editor: There is talk of fines for those entering without making a reservation. What are the potential repercussions for tourists who do not comply?
Mayor Brugnaro: Yes, fines will range from 50 to 300 euros for those who enter without a reservation. We believe this structure will encourage compliance and foster a respectful approach toward our city.
Editor: Thank you, Mayor Brugnaro, for your insights today. It seems Venice is taking important steps to protect its unique heritage while still welcoming tourists.
Mayor Brugnaro: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important measure. We look forward to a future where tourism is harmonized with the needs of both our residents and visitors.
That visitors can enjoy the city’s unique charm without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Ultimately, this is about preserving the quality of life for our residents and the experience for our visitors.
Editor: Some neighborhood associations have expressed concerns that this measure may not effectively reduce tourism, seeing it as a revenue-generating tactic. How do you respond to those criticisms?
Mayor Brugnaro: I understand their concerns, and I appreciate their passion for our city. However, this is not just about generating revenue; it’s about implementing a sustainable tourism model. The funds collected will be reinvested into preserving Venice’s infrastructure and cultural heritage. We need to ensure that the city remains vibrant for both residents and tourists.
Editor: How do you envision the impact of this system on the local community and the future of Venice?
Mayor Brugnaro: I envision a Venice that balances the needs of its residents and the joy of its visitors. By carefully managing tourist flow, we aim to revive our neighborhoods and stop the trend of depopulation. I believe that a well-managed tourism experience can lead to a thriving community that attracts long-term visitors and respects the local way of life.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mayor Brugnaro. It seems that Venice is taking significant steps towards sustainable tourism while aiming to preserve its unique cultural identity. We appreciate you joining us today.
Mayor Brugnaro: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a positive change for Venice and its future.