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Venice Reinforces Tourist Tax, Doubling Fee for Day-Trippers
Venice, the iconic Italian city, is set to reimplement its tourist tax this week, with visitors making last-minute plans facing double the charge compared to the previous year. This day-tripper levy aims to assist Venice and its inhabitants in managing the challenges of overtourism and mitigating large visitor influxes during peak periods such as holidays and weekends.
Tax Implementation and Duration
The payment system was initially introduced last year as a trial initiative after warnings that Venice risked being designated a UNESCO endangered heritage site. The renewed tax will be enforced every Friday through Sunday, along with holidays, totaling 54 days this year. Enforcement will be during peak hours, specifically from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Increased Fee and Extended Period
The duration of the tax implementation has nearly doubled compared to its 2024 application. Furthermore, the fee has increased to €10 (£8.60) for tourists who do not book their visit at least four days in advance, a rise from the standard €5 (£4.30).
Enforcement and Penalties
The levy will be active from April 18 to July. Individuals found beyond designated checkpoints without the necessary documentation will face substantial penalties. Fines will range from €50 (£43) to €300 (£257), in addition to the maximum entry fee of €10.
Objectives of the Tourist Tax
City officials, including Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, have stated that the program is designed to alleviate congestion on high-traffic days, encourage extended stays, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Exemptions from the Day-Tripper Charge
Visitors with overnight accommodations in Venice’s historical center, including the mainland districts of Marghera and Mestre, are exempt from this charge as they are already subject to a separate tourist tax. Venice’s outer islands, such as Murano, are also excluded from the program.
Further Exemptions and Access Provisions
Additional exemptions apply to individuals requiring city access for work, education, or medical appointments, as well as those born in Venice and residents of the Veneto region.
Booking and Control Procedures
Tourists can reserve their day visit to Venice through a dedicated online portal. Upon payment of the required fee (€5 or €10), day-trippers will receive a QR code. This QR code will be verified at control points located at seven entry areas around the city, including the main railway station. Hotel guests are required to input their hotel details and will receive a QR code; however, they are not required to pay the day-tripper fee as their accommodation bill already incorporates a Venice lodging tax.
Venice’s Ongoing Efforts to Manage Overtourism
Venice has been grappling with the repercussions of overtourism for several years and has enacted various measures to combat its impact. During the €5 fee period last year, Venice recorded approximately 10.9 million overnight stays, with the city center averaging 40,000 daily tourists, reaching peaks of 75,000 on some days. This influx has significantly affected the lives of the less than 50,000 permanent residents of Venice.
Previous Measures to Mitigate Overtourism
Other implemented rules in Venice include banning large cruise ships from the Giudecca Canal in August 2021, safeguarding the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. Furthermore, tourist groups were limited to a maximum of 25 individuals last year, and guides were prohibited from using loudspeakers to foster a more peaceful environment for residents.