The city plans to charge visitors a fee on numerous days to foster a more sustainable tourism environment.
**Venice Increases Tourist Entry Fee Through 2025 Amid Overtourism Concerns**
**Venice Increases Tourist Entry Fee Through 2025 Amid Overtourism Concerns**
Venice is set to significantly boost its tourist entry fee in 2025, aiming to manage the challenges posed by overtourism.
Venice has announced plans to extend its entry fee for tourists until 2025, responding to a notable uptick in tourist numbers and the continuing crisis of overtourism. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro revealed that beginning April 2025, the number of days where tourists will need to pay an entrance fee will double, building on what was deemed a "successful" trial period last year.
The objective behind this initiative is to limit the volume of visitors in order to preserve the integrity and culture of Venice, which has struggled with the impacts of mass tourism. Day-trippers who pre-book their visits will be charged €5 (£4.17; $5.41) for certain high-demand days in the spring and summer, with this price increasing to €10 for last-minute bookings made within four days of arrival.
This fee was initially implemented as part of a trial that targeted 29 specific days within a four-month window, primarily weekends and public holidays. The revised fee structure will now apply for a total of 54 days, including every Friday through Sunday and on public holidays from April 18 to July 27, 2025. Visitors aged 14 and older will be required to pay via a mobile platform and to present a QR code for inspection upon arrival.
This move comes as Venice continues to tackle criticism over overtourism. City councillor Simone Venturini stated, "Venice has evolved from being the city most criticized for overtourism to one that responds more proactively than any other on the international stage."
During the initial trial period last year, the city collected around €2.4 million (£2 million; $2.5 million) within just a few months, exceeding initial expectations. However, there are concerns regarding the operational costs associated with implementing this fee, which led to discussions about the overall financial viability of the initiative. Critics have voiced skepticism over its effectiveness, arguing that raising the fees could further detract from Venice’s identity, which some fear is being lost to an influx of tourists.
The UNESCO organization has recommended adding Venice to its list of world heritage sites in danger due to the adverse effects of climate change and tourism—issues that have raised alarm among both residents and officials. Additionally, the city has previously barred large cruise ships from the historical center to mitigate pollution and infrastructure damage. The ongoing inquiry poses a pressing question as to whether mass tourism is overtaking the unique charm that defines Venice.
The objective behind this initiative is to limit the volume of visitors in order to preserve the integrity and culture of Venice, which has struggled with the impacts of mass tourism. Day-trippers who pre-book their visits will be charged €5 (£4.17; $5.41) for certain high-demand days in the spring and summer, with this price increasing to €10 for last-minute bookings made within four days of arrival.
This fee was initially implemented as part of a trial that targeted 29 specific days within a four-month window, primarily weekends and public holidays. The revised fee structure will now apply for a total of 54 days, including every Friday through Sunday and on public holidays from April 18 to July 27, 2025. Visitors aged 14 and older will be required to pay via a mobile platform and to present a QR code for inspection upon arrival.
This move comes as Venice continues to tackle criticism over overtourism. City councillor Simone Venturini stated, "Venice has evolved from being the city most criticized for overtourism to one that responds more proactively than any other on the international stage."
During the initial trial period last year, the city collected around €2.4 million (£2 million; $2.5 million) within just a few months, exceeding initial expectations. However, there are concerns regarding the operational costs associated with implementing this fee, which led to discussions about the overall financial viability of the initiative. Critics have voiced skepticism over its effectiveness, arguing that raising the fees could further detract from Venice’s identity, which some fear is being lost to an influx of tourists.
The UNESCO organization has recommended adding Venice to its list of world heritage sites in danger due to the adverse effects of climate change and tourism—issues that have raised alarm among both residents and officials. Additionally, the city has previously barred large cruise ships from the historical center to mitigate pollution and infrastructure damage. The ongoing inquiry poses a pressing question as to whether mass tourism is overtaking the unique charm that defines Venice.
