Venice rolls out day-tripper fee to try to regulate mass crowds on peak weekends

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Venice authorities have introduced a pioneering initiative aimed at managing the influx of tourists to the historic city during peak weekends. Starting next year, day-trippers will be required to pay a fee of 5 euros ($5.45) per person to enter Venice on 29 specified days between April and mid-July, particularly during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The objective is to alleviate overcrowding, extend the duration of visits, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

This program, referred to as the “tourist contribution,” emerged in response to concerns about overtourism endangering Venice’s delicate ecosystem, jeopardizing its UNESCO World Heritage status. Notably, it played a pivotal role in preventing Venice from being placed on the UNESCO danger list. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that this fee is not a traditional tourist tax but rather an unprecedented endeavor to regulate tourist traffic in one of the world’s most-visited destinations. The primary aim is to encourage visitors to choose less congested days for their trips.

Residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, workers, and tourists with hotel reservations will be exempt from the day-tripper fee. Starting from January 16, a dedicated website, www.cda.ve.it, will enable visitors to reserve their preferred day to explore Venice. Upon payment of the 5 euros, they will receive a QR code, which will be verified at seven access points across the city, including the main train station. Tourists with lodging reservations need not pay separately as their hotel bills will already include a Venice lodging fee.

Venice’s decision to implement this measure follows the devastating impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on its tourism industry. The city, known for its winding alleys, canals, and islands, is striving to adopt a more sustainable approach to tourism while also encouraging its residents to remain in Venice. This move is prompted by the exodus of Venetians to the mainland and pressure from UNESCO and environmental advocates, who successfully lobbied for restrictions on large cruise ships in the city.

Venice sees longer-term tourists as essential for its economic stability, as they tend to contribute more to the local economy. Mayor Brugnaro underlines that the day-tripper contribution does not discourage tourism as a whole but aims to better manage it. He acknowledges that there may be initial challenges and adjustments needed, but after extensive deliberation, the city has decided that it is time to implement this innovative approach.

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• Venice introduces day-tripper fee to reduce overcrowding