This year, Venice (Italy) implemented a 5-euro entrance fee for day tourists on particularly busy days, aiming to generate additional income from tourism. Next year, the city plans to continue this fee and may increase it to 10 euros.
Cruise tourists are also subject to this fee. Since 2021, large cruise ships have been prohibited from docking directly in Venice, but shore excursions continue from nearby ports like Marghera, Monfalcone, and Trieste.
Since April 2024, Venice has collected 2+ million euros from this 5-euro fee in 29 days. This fee primarily targets day tourists, while locals, hotel guests, and children under 14 are exempt. Last year, Venice was nearly added to the red list of endangered UNESCO World Heritage sites, prompting measures to reduce mass tourism. The city, with ~50,000 residents, sees up to 100,000 tourists daily during peak season, a level deemed unsustainable.
Efforts such as banning large tour groups have been undertaken, but the entrance fee has not significantly reduced the number of visitors. Even when cruise ships docked near the city center, cruise tourists constituted a small percentage of day visitors.
Introduced in April, the fee aimed to deter some visitors and reduce crowding. Despite generating 2+ million euros, it has not significantly impacted overcrowding. The city councillor for tourism and social cohesion has indicated that the scheme will continue next year, with the council viewing it positively.
Reports suggest that the fee could vary from EUR 10 on busy days to EUR 3 during quieter periods. While the fee has brought in revenue, it has not effectively reduced overcrowding, indicating that while financially beneficial, it may not be a comprehensive solution to the crowding issue.