Venice mayor proposes €50 day‑visitor entry fee to curb overtourism

Simone Venturini, elected mayor of Venice at the end of May, announced a proposal to raise the entry charge for one‑day visitors from the current €5‑10 to as much as €50 on selected high‑traffic days. The aim is to temper the surge of tourists during peak periods and to generate additional revenue for city services and the preservation of the lagoon city, whose annual costs exceed €100 million.

The existing fee, introduced in 2024, already earned €2.4 million in its first year and applies to 60 days between April and July, with exemptions for residents, Veneto‑region visitors, children under 14, and hotel guests. Venturini said, “The entry fee is currently the only effective tool to regulate daily visitor numbers.” The proposal awaits approval from the Italian government and includes penalties of €50‑300 for non‑payment. Local officials and the hotel association have expressed support, noting that higher revenues could fund infrastructure and offset costs borne by residents and businesses.