Venice has become the first city in the world to officially charge tourists to enter its city centre.
From today, on certain days, the iconic Italian city will charge certain tourists €5 to walk around and view its historic sights; with fines possible for non-payment.
While numerous regions, countries and cities have introduced some level of travel tax, this is usually charged through slightly higher accommodation costs.
Venice, on the other hand, has introduced a €5 per person charge just to enter the city. But, it’s more aimed at the huge number of day trippers and cruise ship visitors descending on the city.
The historic Italian water-based city has taken this route in order to try to shield itself against over-tourism; something which it has fought against for a number of years. Venice has a population of just 49,000 people; but annual tourist visitor numbers of closer to 20 million people.
The city’s Lord Mayor said the move is not about closing the city to visitors, but more about making it more liveable for residents.
Venice – for all its obvious beauty – also recently was nearly placed on UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” watch list due to mass tourism damaging its ecosystem.
The entry fee applies to visitors who are not staying overnight in the city. This is, squarely, aimed at tourists visiting from mega cruise ships.
Another detail is that the charge does not apply to every day. Currently, it applies to 29 days this year. Today’s national holiday in Italy is the first.
Those needing to pay can do so online. If caught without paying, fines of between €50 and €300 may be applied.
