Venice is not done with its crusade to lessen tourists.
A representative of the northeastern Italian “City of Water” announced on July 12 that the hotspot plans to extend and increase its controversial tourist tax. City councilor of tourism and social cohesion, Simone Venturini, claimed a raised price will occur next year. The source further explained the reason for the change. In a conversation with Reuters, he asserted that the trial system entry free put into place in April hasn’t lowered the city’s sightseer foot traffic enough. Notably, the tariff applies to visitors on the city’s busy days.
The price for daytrippers is going upward of €5, the fluctuating equivalent of $5.45. The system’s trial period reportedly ended on July 14 and included 29 days when tourists were fined. Venturini reportedly didn’t disclose 2025’s new day trip tax.
“On some weekends, there were less people than the same time last year … but no one expected that all the day trippers would miraculously disappear,” the city councilor told the outlet. “It will be more effective in the coming years when we increase the number of days and lift the price.”
Why Is Venice’s Tourist Tax Controversial?
For years, the city has been vocal about combatting overtourism. Opposition to the fee suggests the city should redirect its focus on enticing former residents to return. Also, those opposed have called for making a city entry reservation system instead of taxing visitors. Councilman Giovanni Andrea Martini reportedly claimed some people haven’t even been paying their fines because the city hasn’t followed up properly with enforcing payment.
“It has been a total failure. The city is still packed with tourists,” argued the latter city councilor.
Martini noted that some form of daytripper regulation was necessary. He added, “We need to be able to warn people that if they come on certain days they are not going to have a good time.”
