Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Venice, the city of canals, bridges, and palaces, is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Every year, millions of tourists flock to admire its unique beauty and rich history. But this popularity comes at a cost. Venice is struggling to preserve its identity and integrity, as it faces the threats of over-tourism, depopulation, and climate change.
That’s why, starting from July 1, 2023, the city will charge visitors an entry fee of up to 10 euros (£8.60) per person, depending on the season and the expected number of visitors. The fee will apply to anyone who does not stay overnight in the city, such as day-trippers, cruise passengers, and bus tourists. Overnight visitors will continue to pay a separate city tax, which ranges from 1 to 5 euros per night, depending on the season and the type of accommodation.
The fee is intended to help the city cope with the costs of maintaining its fragile infrastructure and cultural heritage, as well as managing the environmental impact of mass tourism. According to the city’s official website, the fee will be used to finance projects such as restoring monuments, cleaning canals, improving public transport, enhancing security, and promoting social and cultural activities.
The fee will be collected through various methods, such as online booking platforms, travel agencies, and transport operators. Visitors will receive a QR code that will grant them access to the city and its services. The city will also offer discounts and exemptions for certain categories of visitors, such as students, residents of the Veneto region, and people with disabilities.
The fee is part of a broader strategy to make Venice more sustainable and livable, as the city aims to balance the needs of its residents and its visitors. The city has also implemented measures such as limiting the number of cruise ships, banning large vessels from the historic center, and installing turnstiles to control the flow of visitors.
But not everyone is happy with the fee. Some critics argue that it will deter tourists from visiting Venice, especially those with low budgets. Others claim that it will create a two-tier system, where only wealthy visitors can enjoy the city. Some also question the transparency and accountability of how the fee will be spent.
On the other hand, some supporters of the fee say that it is a necessary and fair measure to protect Venice from the negative effects of over-tourism. They argue that the fee will encourage visitors to plan their trips in advance, to stay longer in the city, and to contribute to its conservation. They also hope that the fee will reduce the overcrowding and congestion that often plague the city, especially during peak seasons.
The fee is not a new idea. Other popular destinations, such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Bali, have also introduced similar fees or taxes to cope with the challenges of tourism. The fee is also in line with the recommendations of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which advocates for a responsible and sustainable approach to tourism development.
The fee is a bold and controversial move by Venice, which reflects the city’s complex and delicate relationship with tourism. Venice is a city that depends on tourism, but also suffers from it. Venice is a city that welcomes visitors, but also asks them to respect its identity and integrity. Venice is a city that offers a unique and unforgettable experience, but also asks for a price worth paying.
