Venice's tourist charge shows promise; future fee hike possible
"The introduction of the entrance fee to Venice was a spectacular success," said Simone Venturini, head of the tourism department at the city administration, to PAP. This statement summarized the experiment that ended on July 14.
2:31 PM EDT, July 18, 2024
On Sunday, the experimental phase of charging an entrance fee to the city for tourists who did not stay overnight ended. The fee was in effect for selected 29 days, starting April 25. Every person planning to visit Venice had to register their visit and download a QR code confirming the payment of the fee or exemption from it.
In total, during this period, almost 450,000 tourists paid for entry to the city.
Local authorities explained that the aim of this initiative—the first of its kind in the world—was to regulate the influx of tourists and improve the quality of life for Venice residents. This city experiences tourist crowds for most of the year.
"The initial phase of introducing the entrance fee to Venice was a spectacular success. The system functioned smoothly, and most importantly, tourists showed understanding and approval for this initiative. They understood the need to protect and respect Venice, a city as unique as it is delicate," Venturini told PAP.
"Many guests during checks praised the concept of paying a fee of 5 euros (around $5) for the city's future. This achievement underscores the main goal of the experiment: raising tourists' awareness that they are entering a UNESCO World Heritage site. This treasure must be preserved for future generations," he added.
Venice considers raising the fee
He explained that collecting this fee was not "a tool for making money." "On the contrary, the entire amount obtained will primarily cover the costs associated with launching this system, and the proceeds will be used to improve the quality of life for residents and the experience for tourists staying overnight in Venice," he emphasized.
The entrance fee is part of a long-term initiative and broader strategy, and one of the possibilities being considered is raising the amount collected from next year, he revealed.
"For now, it is too early for definitive conclusions," he added.
As he conveyed, an information campaign and other efforts to better manage the tourist influx are envisaged within the currently planned strategy, and "this issue currently concerns all Italian and European historical cities of art."
