Venice's Struggle with Overtourism

The enchanting city of Venice has taken a dramatic step to tackle its overtourism crisis by reintroducing a day-tripper tax for the second consecutive year. Starting Friday, visitors who don’t stay overnight will be required to pay this entrance fee to explore the historic heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

What You Need to Know About the Tax

Visitors can expect to pay between 5 to 10 euros (approximately $6 to $11) to enter the city’s iconic areas. Those savvy enough to download a QR code at least three days in advance will benefit from the lower fee; however, last-minute arrivals will be hit with the higher charge.

Expanded Tax Days to Combat Crowds

This year, the city has significantly increased the number of days when this fee is applicable, from 29 days last year to a whopping 54 days in 2024.

Revenue Insights from the 2024 Pilot Program

During the pilot program in 2024, Venice collected around 2.4 million euros from this initiative. While costs for implementing the tax system were projected at 2.7 million euros, the city's budget official, Michele Zuin, anticipates generating a surplus ranging between 1 million to 1.5 million euros this year.

Rising Visitor Numbers Despite the Tax

In a surprising turn, 450,000 day-trippers paid the tax so far this year, equating to an average of 75,000 daily visitors during the initial 11 days of 2024. This number exceeds the daily tourists recorded during the same period last year by almost 10,000, raising eyebrows among critics like council member Giovanni Andrea Martini, who argue that the tax has failed to deter crowds.

The Disparity Between Residents and Tourists

With only 48,283 official residents in the historic center—an intricate network of over 100 islands—the number of tourist accommodations has grown alarmingly. In 2023, there were 51,129 tourist beds, including 12,627 in the loosely regulated short-term rental sector, highlighting a growing imbalance as tourist beds now outnumber permanent residents.

A City on the Brink of Transformation

As Venice grapples with an astonishing 25 to 30 million annual arrivals from both day visitors and overnight guests, the city stands at a critical juncture. Finding the balance between preserving its rich heritage and welcoming tourists remains an ongoing challenge.