In response to the challenges posed by “eat and flee” tourists, Venice is reintroducing a day-entry fee aimed at reducing excessive day tourism and encouraging a more meaningful engagement with the city.
Venice Revives Entrance Fee to Tackle Day Tourism Surge
Venice Revives Entrance Fee to Tackle Day Tourism Surge
The iconic city of Venice reinstates an entrance fee to manage the influx of brief visitors and promote responsible tourism practices.
As Venice grapples with the ongoing issue of overwhelming day tourism, the city has decided to re-implement an entrance fee targeting short-term visitors starting this Friday. This fee, which will cost travelers five euros (or 10 euros for last-minute permits), is meant to combat so-called “eat and flee” tourists who swarm popular locations like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square with minimal economic benefit to local businesses.
City officials have expanded the duration of this fee’s enforcement, increasing the number of applicable days from 30 in 2024 to 54 this year. Simone Venturini, the municipal councilor in charge of tourism, emphasized that the fee serves to illuminate the unique and delicate nature of Venice, aiming to cultivate a more respectful relationship between tourists and the city itself.
By addressing the disruptive patterns of visitors who merely crowd the city's landmarks and leave without spending significantly, the initiative seeks to promote a healthier tourism model that prioritizes the sustainability of Venice’s economy and environment. The recent ban on large cruise ships entering the city's lagoon represents additional efforts to curb overcrowding and protect the city's heritage.
As the city prepares for the influx of seasonal tourists, Venice is taking a proactive stance in balancing the needs of visitors with the realities of preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.
