Ten euros will have to be paid by day tourists to visit the historic center of Venice in 2025. The city has meanwhile completed the trial phase with the fee system and has released a preliminary balance sheet.
The regulation, which will be introduced in 2024, should help better coordinate mass tourism in the lagoon city on the Adriatic. But whether buying an entrance ticket to the city really discourages tourists remains a controversial topic.
The city of Venice has counted over 720.000 visitors who have brought a total of 5,4 million euros to the city's coffers - almost double the amount in 2024. Also during this period, 2500 fines have been imposed on those who entered the city without a ticket to visit it.
Those who book tickets in advance pay less.
The regulation this time was in force for 54 days, spread over weekends and holidays from April, May, June and July – respectively from 8.30 to 16. Those who booked their ticket in advance paid five euros. Those who neglected to buy their ticket at the time they wanted to enter the city paid double. Exceptions were made for locals, children and tourists who stay a few nights in the city. However, tourists who spend the night in a hotel pay the city tax.
Michele Zuin, a financial advisor to the city of Venice, explains that this system has worked well in its second year and has influenced a planning guarantee with visitors. However, the primary goal is not to generate revenue.
The proceeds must be used for the benefit of the city.
In 2024, at the end of the 29-day trial phase, revenues reached 2,4 million euros with a number of visitors of around 485.000.
This revenue, less the costs of the relevant service, will be used to benefit the city and its residents. A full analysis of the overall data has not yet been completed.
In Venice, the annual number of tourists reaches millions. The question also arises whether an entrance fee is enough to limit mass tourism. Moreover, in the lagoon city, a coffee costs as much as the entrance fee. Today, fewer than 50.000 people live in the historic center of Venice, while millions of tourists come every year. / DW
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