The iconic Italian city is deepening its strategy to regulate the flow of tourists and is targeting those who do not book in advance
Venice, an iconic city and a sought-after destination for millions of visitors, has decided to strengthen its strategy to regulate the flow of tourists. Starting next year, it will officially implement a higher entrance fee for certain tourists, a measure aimed at controlling the saturation of visitors. Instead of the general entrance fee of 5 euros applied last year, Venice will now charge 10 euros to those who decide to visit the city without booking in advance, doubling the initial import for those planning their excursion at the last minute.
This decision comes after the Success of the first pilot test carried out during the summer of 2023, an effort that allowed Venetian authorities to observe the direct effects of the fee on tourist flow and heritage preservation. The extension of this policy reinforces Venice's intention to protect its infrastructure and improve the experience for both residents and visitors.
Entry fee details for 2025
Tourists who make their Book at least four days in advance will pay a standard fee of 5 euros, while those who choose to decide their visit at the last minute will have to shell out double: 10 euros per personThis measure not only aims to discourage impromptu visits during periods of high demand, but also to encourage advance planning to better manage the city's capacity.
The rate does not apply on all days of the year; it will only be charged during 54 specific days, which correspond to the period from April 18 to July 27, 2025, and at peak times. Specifically, tourists will have to pay the tax during weekends and public holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m., when the flow of people is at its highest.
According to the authorities, this system will help to avoid overcrowding and offer visitors a quality experience, while mitigating the negative impact of mass tourism on Venice's delicate urban environment.
Pilot test success in 2023
During the summer of 2023, Venice launched a pilot project that served to evaluate the impact of an entry tax aimed at day trippers. This 5 euro fee, introduced in order to reduce the number of visitors and protect tourist areas, was implemented between April 25th and July 14th, a period of 29 days distributed in times of high influx. The measure, although controversial, proved to be effective in terms of collection and flow control, since more than 485.000 visitors They downloaded the required QR code and paid the fee.
The pilot experience generated 2,4 millones de euros in revenue, funds that, according to the Venice authorities, have been allocated to the maintenance and restoration of areas popular with touristsDespite initial protests and some delays in implementation, the measure was hailed as a “success” by the local government, which demonstrated the pilot as a first step towards sustainable tourism in the city.
This positive result has prompted Venice to formalize and expand the collection in 2024, demonstrating that, beyond the income generated, the tax is seen as an effective tourism management tool that makes a difference in the care of the urban and cultural environment of the city.
Purpose of the revenue collected
The Raised funds The entrance fee has not only been a significant source of income for Venice, but also a direct means of preserving the city's attractiveness and liveability. During the 2023 trial period, the €2,4 million generated by this tax was allocated to restoration and maintenance projects in areas of high tourist attendance, a strategic use that responds to the need to counteract the effects of mass tourism on Venetian infrastructure and heritage.
Local authorities have argued that these resources allow crucial interventions to be carried out in emblematic spaces in Venice, which are affected daily by the constant flow of visitors.
This approach is also one of the reasons why the city's top tourism official, Simone Venturini, described the initiative in a conversation with local media as a true “cultural revolution” for tourism management. According to Venturini, the success of this measure lies not only in the funds raised, but in the possibility of creating a model that benefits both residents and visitors, ensuring that tourism actively contributes to the conservation of Venice.
Criticism of the entry tax
Despite praise from local authorities, Venice's entrance fee has not been without its problems. criticism and opposition. Some sectors consider that the tax has not achieved its main objective: reducing the number of tourists. Among the detractors, the opposition councillor stands out Giovanni Andrea Martini, who has called the measure a “failure,” arguing that it has not been effective in limiting the number of visitors to the city, although it has generated income.