Venice becomes world’s 1st city to charge visitors entry fee

Guwahati: Italy’s Venice has become the world’s first city to announce an entry fee for tourists as it tries to tackle the problem of crowding and “over-tourism”.

The city will charge a €3-€10 (Rs 247-Rs823) entry fee from tourists starting January 16, 2023. Visitors will also have to make an online booking before traveling to Venice next year.

This was announced by Venice’s councilor for tourism, Simone Venturini, at a press conference on Friday. Calling the measure, a “great revolution”, Venturini said this is the only solution to the problem of over-tourism that the city has been struggling with for decades.

The goal, explained Venturini, is not to “close the city,” but to get people to book their presence to reduce the “tourist peaks.” He said, “Venice is a living city and it has to stay that way.”

The complex ticket booking system and its online platform will be unveiled this fall. There are many exceptions to the entrance ticket mandate, explained Michele Zuin, councilor for the budget.

Residents and children aged under six will be exempt, as will disabled people, homeowners, those who come to the city for health reasons or to visit relatives, and those coming to attend a sporting or cultural event.

Overnight hotel guests will also avoid paying the entrance fee because they’ll already be paying a tourist tax through their hotel.

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