Venice has taken significant steps to tackle the overwhelming presence of what officials describe as “eat and flee” tourists who frequent the city’s iconic sites without contributing meaningfully to its economy. Starting Friday, the municipality is enforcing an entrance fee of five euros for day trippers, with a heightened charge of ten euros for those who opt for last-minute access. This initiative marks the second year of such measures, with the city now implementing the fee on 54 days compared to just 30 days last year.
These charges are part of an effort to manage the relentless tide of visitors who flock to key landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square, consuming packed meals, discarding waste, and departing without significantly engaging with local businesses. Venice's officials believe that this levy will serve to both educate the public about the city's unique character and to encourage more considerate tourism.
Simone Venturini, the municipal councilor responsible for tourism, stated that the fee underscores the message that Venice is both beautiful and vulnerable, and therefore necessitates a more mindful approach from its visitors. As the city continues to adapt to the tourism landscape, the entrance fee aims to not just regulate foot traffic but also foster a respectful relationship between travelers and the historic city.
These charges are part of an effort to manage the relentless tide of visitors who flock to key landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square, consuming packed meals, discarding waste, and departing without significantly engaging with local businesses. Venice's officials believe that this levy will serve to both educate the public about the city's unique character and to encourage more considerate tourism.
Simone Venturini, the municipal councilor responsible for tourism, stated that the fee underscores the message that Venice is both beautiful and vulnerable, and therefore necessitates a more mindful approach from its visitors. As the city continues to adapt to the tourism landscape, the entrance fee aims to not just regulate foot traffic but also foster a respectful relationship between travelers and the historic city.
