One sentence summary – Venice has approved a €5 entrance fee for day-tripping tourists in an effort to address overtourism and manage visitor influx, with certain groups exempt from the fee; however, critics worry about the impact on local residents and doubt the fee’s effectiveness in deterring tourists.
At a glance
- Venice has approved a €5 entrance fee for day-tripping tourists to address overtourism and manage visitor influx.
- The fee will only apply to day-trippers during peak periods, with overnight hotel guests exempt.
- Certain groups, including Venetian residents, children under 14, local students, and commuters, are exempt from the fee.
- There are concerns that the fee could lead to the “Disneyfication” of Venice and displace local residents.
- Despite the fee, there will be no cap on the number of tourists allowed to enter Venice each day.
The details
Venice, a city renowned for its scenic canals and historical allure, has given the green light to a contentious €5 entrance fee for day-tripping tourists.
The fee is slated for introduction in the forthcoming spring season.
The aim of this fee is to tackle the issues brought about by overtourism and to establish a sustainable method of managing the influx of visitors to the city.
The entrance fee will only be applicable to day-trippers during peak periods, with overnight hotel guests exempt.
Certain groups will not be required to pay the fee.
These include Venetian residents, children under the age of 14, local students, and individuals commuting for work.
The approval of this fee comes after years of delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heated discussions among city officials.
Critics of the measure have voiced concerns that it could lead to the “Disneyfication” of Venice and intensify the displacement of local residents.
There are also doubts about the effectiveness of a €5 charge in deterring a significant number of tourists.
Despite the introduction of the entrance fee, there will be no cap on the number of tourists allowed to enter Venice on any given day.
Tourists will be required to pay the entrance fee online and receive a QR code on their mobile phones as proof of payment.
Authorities will confirm payments by scanning these QR codes.
Individuals without valid proof of payment will be subject to fines.
The Venice City Council passed the measure with 24 votes in favor and 12 against after a lengthy five-hour debate.
The council meeting was fraught with disorder, with accusations and name-calling exchanged between councillors.
Ordinary Venetians, who are calling for more job opportunities and affordable housing, protested against the introduction of this tourist tax.
The mayor defended the tax, describing it as a necessary tool to shield the city from the adverse effects of mass tourism.
The entrance fee will be implemented as an experimental initiative.
Its effectiveness and impact will be closely monitored.
The approval of the €5 entrance fee comes ahead of a forthcoming UNESCO meeting.
At this meeting, Venice’s status as a World Heritage site will be discussed, with particular focus on the threats posed by mass tourism and rising sea levels.
The city is striving to find a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future.
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| telegraph.co.uk |
|---|
| – Venice has approved a controversial €5 entrance fee for tourists – The fee will be introduced from next spring and will apply to the busiest periods – It will only apply to day-trippers and not to visitors staying one night or more in a hotel – Venetians, children under 14, local students, and commuters for work will be exempt from the fee – |
| The charge was approved after years of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and intense debate – Critics argue that the fee will lead to the further “Disneyfication” of the city and push out residents – Some doubt whether a €5 charge will deter many people from visiting – There will be no limit on the number of tourists who can enter Venice on any given day – Tourists will have to pay the entrance fee online and receive a QR code on their mobile phones – Authorities will check the QR code to ensure payment, and those without it will face fines – |
| The measure was passed by the city council by 24 votes to 12 after a five-hour debate – Chaos ensued during the debate, with accusations and name-calling between councillors – Ordinary Venetians protested against the tourist tax, demanding jobs and affordable housing – The mayor defended the tax as a means to protect the city from mass tourism – The entrance fee will be an experimental initiative closely monitored – The approval comes ahead of a UNESCO meeting to discuss Venice’s status as a World Heritage site under threat from mass tourism and rising sea levels. |
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