Expanded timeframe: Venice prolongs entry permits
Venice, the enchanting city renowned for its canals, gondolas, and historic architecture, is set to impose its third season of an entry fee for day-trippers. The fee, known as 'contributo di accesso' in Italian, will commence on April 3, 2026, and conclude on July 26.
The specific areas where the fee applies include St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. These iconic locations have been subject to overcrowding, a consequence of the city's popularity among tourists.
In the past, fees ranging from five to ten euros were charged on certain days for day-trippers spending a few hours in these areas. However, many day-trippers managed to avoid paying the access fee.
The city administration of Venice announced this measure, aiming to manage mass tourism in the city. The entry fee is intended to help control the influx of visitors, particularly during peak seasons, and to maintain the city's historical sites in pristine condition.
The city currently has approximately 50,000 residents living in the historic center, fewer than the number of hotel beds in the city. With more than 720,000 day-trippers registered in the city in the previous year, the entry fee is expected to generate significant revenue. In 2021, it generated approximately 5.4 million euros.
Critics argue that the entry fee will not deter many from visiting Venice. They contend that the city's high costs, such as a cup of cappuccino at St. Mark's Square costing up to 17 euros, already serve as a deterrent for some tourists.
The exact amount for the Venice entry fee in 2026 has not yet been announced. It is expected to be more expensive than the current fee of 5 to 10 euros, but the city has not specified the exact price so far. Hotel guests who stay in Venice for an extended period are exempt from the daily entry fee but must pay an accommodation tax.
The entry fee will be charged more frequently than before, on 60 days between early April and late July. However, the exact dates on which the fee will be charged have not been specified.
The regulation for the entry fee is still in a trial phase, with the fee being charged on an increasing number of days each year. In the first year, the entry fee was charged on 29 days, then on 54 days, and next year it will be charged on 60 days.
Despite the controversy surrounding the entry fee, it is clear that Venice is taking steps to manage its tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner. As the city continues to navigate this new policy, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the number of visitors and the overall experience of those who choose to visit this extraordinary city.
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