Calls to raise Venice entry fee to stem ‘obscene rivers of tourists’
£86 entry fee proposed for day-trippers to holiday hotspot
- A Venice businessman, Setrak Tokatzian, has proposed a €100 (£86) entry fee for day-tripping tourists to combat what he calls “obscene” overtourism in the historic Italian city.
- Mr Tokatzian, the president of St Mark’s Square residents’ association, said that around 30 million tourists visit Venice annually, with seven out of 10 being day-trippers who often do not spend money in local shops.
- Venice became the first city globally to charge day-trippers an admission fee on 25 April 2024, although holidaymakers with hotel or Airbnb reservations are exempt.
- The proposed €100 fee would be 20 times more expensive than the current charge of €5, and would aim to deter tourists who do not contribute to the local economy.
- The proposal faces opposition, with critics arguing that such a high fee would not teach visitors “respect”.