February 11th 2025.
Venice, the picturesque city known for its canals and gondola rides, is taking a stand against overtourism. After a successful trial run last year, the city has decided to increase its entry fee for day trippers in 2025. The fee, currently at €5, will be doubled to €10 for those who book less than four days in advance. This controversial charge will cover a total of 54 days this year, up from 29 in 2024. The fee will only apply to those visiting between 8:30am and 4pm, while residents and overnight guests are exempt.
The entrance fee was first introduced in 2024 to combat the issue of "hit-and-run" tourism, where visitors would flood the city for a few hours without staying overnight. The fee can be paid through the Venice Access Fee website, where tourists can download a QR code to use at electric turnstiles located at the city's main entry points. Those without a ticket will face fines ranging from €50 to €300, with checks being carried out at key points of entry.
City officials are confident that the trial run in 2024 was successful in reducing the number of day trippers. Simone Venturini, the city's tourism councillor, stated that the aim remains the same: to create a new system that manages tourist flow and discourages day tripper tourism during peak periods. This is in line with the delicate and unique nature of the city, in order to preserve and respect its beauty. The success of the trial has also attracted interest from other destinations, such as Ibiza and Kyoto, who are struggling with overtourism.
Venice is not the only Italian city facing issues with overtourism. Last month, an activist group known as the Robin Hood Band staged protests across the country, fighting against the impact of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Locals in cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples claim that tourism is driving up rents and pushing out long-term residents. The group leaves behind Robin Hood-style hats and letters describing their actions as attacks on the rich, a nod to the rising anti-establishment activism around the world.
This issue is not limited to Italy alone. In Madrid, thousands took to the streets last year to protest against the high cost of housing and the impact of holiday rental sites. Barcelona has also seen numerous demonstrations, with protestors demanding that tourists go home. In November, tens of thousands of people marched in the city, demanding lower house prices. It is clear that overtourism is a growing concern for residents across Europe.
Venice, like many other cities, is struggling to cope with the influx of tourists. With approximately 30 million visitors each year and up to 120,000 people passing through on its busiest days, the city is facing a problem that it cannot handle. The increase in the entry fee for day trippers is just one step towards finding a solution and preserving the unique charm of Venice.
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