From 2025, tourists may have to pay up to 10 euros, equivalent to R$62 today, to visit the historic center of Veneza, one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy.
The City Hall of the capital of Veneto approved this Thursday (24) the reintroduction of the access fee which was tested in the city between April and July this year, a measure that seeks to combat predatory tourism and improve coexistence between residents and travelers.
The entry fee was practiced experimentally for 29 non-sequential days between April 25 and July 14, mainly on weekends, with a value of five euros (R$31).
In 2025, the fee will be charged on 54 days, starting with the period between April 18 and May 4. The calendar will also include the Republic Day holiday on June 2 and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of July.
Those who book their ticket up to four days in advance will pay the same five euros as in 2024, but those who decide at the last minute will have to pay double the amount.
As this year, the tax will only apply to travelers who do not stay overnight in the historic center of Venice, and there are exemptions for residents of the Veneto region, children under 14, commuters and students.
“Nobody has ever done anything to control tourism, but I did,” Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told ANSA during a visit to São Paulo in the spring. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but we had to do something,” he added.
However, opponents of the measure accuse Brugnaro of wanting to transform the city into a “Veniceland”, in reference to Disneyland.
At the same time, Venice is the scene of recurring protests against the bad habits of tourists, such as urinating in the street, diving into canals and having picnics on bridges.
Furthermore, many blame mass tourism for the decline in the population of the historic center, where the growing supply of seasonal properties puts upward pressure on housing rents due to reduced availability. (HANDLE)
