Key facts
- Venice's mayor is proposing to raise the day-tripper tax to €50 on select days.
- The current entry fees of €5 and €10 are not effectively curbing overtourism.
- The city is considering extending the fee to cover more days or the entire year.
- Revenue generated from the tax is intended for investment in local infrastructure and services.
- Exemptions exist for residents, students, workers, and those with hotel bookings.
Venice is considering a significant increase in its day-tripper tax, with the city's new mayor, Simone Venturini, proposing a hike to €50 on select days to address overtourism.
The current entry fee system, which charges €5 for advance bookings and €10 for last-minute entries, has proven largely ineffective in deterring the high volume of visitors. Data from the initial 42 days of the tax's application this year showed that out of over 514,000 contributions, fewer than half opted for the discounted €5 rate.
Budget councillor Michele Zuin acknowledged that the difference between €5 and €10 is not substantial enough to significantly impact visitor numbers. The proposal has garnered support from the hospitality industry, with Daniele Minotto, director of Venice’s Association of Hoteliers, stating that a higher cap and a sliding scale could help manage traffic on problematic days. He also noted that €50 is comparable to entry fees at other global archaeological sites.
Venturini plans to seek approval from the Italian government to implement the higher fee. The increased revenue is earmarked for investments aimed at offsetting the costs incurred by residents and businesses due to tourism.
Following this year's trial, which runs over 60 days in April, May, June, and July during peak hours, decisions will be made regarding the tax's future. Options being evaluated include extending the fee to the entire year or incorporating additional busy periods like the Venice Carnival.
The tax currently applies between 8:30 am and 4 pm, with exemptions for residents, those born in Venice, students, workers, and tourists with confirmed lodging reservations. Visitors can reserve their entry day via a dedicated platform; those who fail to pay the fee or register for an exemption risk fines ranging from €50 to €300.