New Mayor Pushes Higher Tourist Charges in Venice

Venice’s newly elected mayor, Simone Venturini, has announced plans to significantly increase the city’s entrance fee for day visitors, with charges potentially reaching €50 during periods of heavy tourist demand.

The proposal is part of Venice’s ongoing effort to manage overtourism and reduce overcrowding in the historic lagoon city. Venturini, a right-wing politician who previously served as tourism councillor, said the higher fee would apply on selected high-traffic days once visitor numbers surpass certain booking thresholds.

Venice made history in 2024 by becoming the first major tourist destination to charge an entry fee for day-trippers. The initial program required visitors to pay €5 on 29 peak days between April and July. The scheme expanded in 2025 to cover 54 days, with last-minute visitors paying double. In 2026, the fee system applies on 60 designated dates.

While the measure has not yet significantly reduced visitor numbers, it generated €2.4 million in revenue during its first year—far exceeding expectations. City officials continue to view the fee as an important tool in addressing tourism-related pressures and protecting Venice’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Under the proposed changes, the entry charge could range from €30 to €50, depending on demand. The city council is preparing a request to the national government for authorization to implement the higher rates.

Day visitors must pay the fee online and receive a QR code, which is checked by staff stationed at key entry points, including Venezia Santa Lucia railway station.

Several groups remain exempt from the charge, including:

• Visitors staying overnight in Venice
• Residents of the wider Veneto region
• Children under 14 years old

However, even overnight guests must register their visit through the city’s online system.

Venturini described the entry fee as the city’s most effective mechanism for monitoring and managing daily tourist flows. He said the goal is to strike a better balance between the needs of residents, workers, and visitors while ensuring Venice remains sustainable.

Revenue from the program will be used to fund municipal services and help maintain the city’s unique infrastructure. According to Venturini, preserving Venice’s water-based environment costs more than €100 million annually, making additional funding increasingly important.