Venice has implemented a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro entry fee in hopes of discouraging overcrowding on peak days and making the city more livable for its residents. Visitors were greeted with signs at the main train station outlining the test phase dates and new entrances for tourists to use. Stewards were available to assist anyone unfamiliar with the process of paying the fee via a QR code. The city’s tourism official stressed the need to strike a balance between tourists and residents.
The fee is intended to alleviate the strain of over-tourism in Venice, which has been a longstanding issue. Workers in yellow vests conducted random checks at the train station to ensure compliance with the new requirement. Fines ranging from 50 to 300 euros could be imposed on those caught without a valid QR code. The fee is applicable to visitors arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., while access is free outside of those hours. The city hopes to gather more accurate data on visitor numbers through this project.
Despite the new system, not all residents are convinced that it will effectively deter mass tourism. Some argue that more attention should be given to increasing the resident population and improving local services. The number of tourist beds in Venice surpassed the number of official residents last year, highlighting the impact of tourism on the city. Activists, including Tommaso Cacciari, organized protests against the entry fee, viewing it as a move to drive residents out rather than manage tourism.
Approximately 6,000 people had already paid for the QR code, and officials anticipated around 10,000 paid day-tripper arrivals on the first day of the program. Over 70,000 others downloaded an exemption QR code, including those working or residing in the Veneto region. Residents staying in hotels within Venice are also required to obtain a QR code disclosing their stay. Interest in Venice’s initiative has been observed from other destinations facing similar challenges with mass tourism.
Marina Rodino, a long-time resident of Venice, opposes the new entry fee and distributed mock EU passports as a form of protest. She emphasized the impact that the tourism industry has had on local businesses and families in her neighborhood. Rodino believes that the fee may not effectively address the issues caused by overtourism and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism and the wellbeing of residents. She criticized the city’s approach and called for measures that would support local communities and businesses.
