UK tourists visiting Italy could face a new £43 entry fee or be denied entry to Venice, as the city's mayor proposes raising the controversial day-tripper charge to €50. Simone Venturini, who recently won the mayoral election, announced plans to increase the fee from its current €5 to between €30 and €50, depending on the date, to further discourage arrivals during periods of heightened tourist pressure.
Proposal Details
Venturini stated that the admission fee is currently the only effective tool to control daily visitor numbers. He said, "We are therefore working on a proposal to make it more effective on high-traffic days, with the aim of finding a new balance between the needs of residents, workers and visitors." The funds generated would be used to finance city services and support the maintenance of Venice, a unique city built on water, whose annual costs exceed €100 million.
Current Fee System
In 2024, Venice became the first tourist city in the world to charge an entrance fee, starting at €5 on peak days between April and July. The initiative was expanded last year to cover more days, and to charge last-minute arrivals €10. The proposed increase to €50 represents a significant hike.
Public Reactions
The plans have sparked debate among locals and tourists. One local noted that by 2029, the constitutional court will rule on the fee's constitutionality, with far-reaching consequences for EU citizens. Another argued that from an economic perspective, tourists wanting to visit Venice are almost unlimited, and the city can make good money from the fee.
However, some raised concerns about discrimination based on nationality, which is against EU directives. One commenter said, "The main issue is the discrimination based on nationality, which is against EU directives." Another questioned the legality of giving exemptions to Italian citizens but not to EU citizens.
Others supported the move, with one saying, "What's wrong with killing off mass tourism?" and another adding that raising prices might make people choose destinations more rationally. However, some worried that it would only allow the rich to enjoy Venice, exacerbating economic inequality.
