Venice Reinstates Entrance Fee to Curb Day-Tripper Tourism

Venice has reintroduced an entrance fee as part of its efforts to combat the growing problem of transient 'eat and flee' tourists. Starting Friday, tourists visiting on peak days will be charged five euros, with latecomers facing a higher fee.

Venice, a city renowned for its unique beauty, is once again taking measures to address the challenge posed by day-trippers. This year, the city has reinstated an entrance fee for tourists arriving during peak times, designed to discourage quick visits that fail to contribute to the local economy.

Starting on Friday, visitors who wish to explore iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square will be required to pay a fee of five euros, a charge that doubles for those making last-minute plans to visit. Officials have increased the number of days this fee is applicable, expanding the schedule from 30 days in 2024 to 54 days this year.

Dubbed “mordi e fuggi” or “eat and flee” tourism, these brief and often low-budget visits have led to heavy foot traffic with minimal benefit to the local economy. Simone Venturini, the city’s municipal councilor responsible for tourism, emphasizes the importance of this initiative in raising awareness about Venice’s fragile environment and its need for visitors to engage more respectfully with its heritage.

The entrance fee, implemented for the first time last year, is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the experience of both tourists and residents while preserving the historical city for future generations. With the recent decision to ban cruise ships from the lagoon and implement other crowd control measures, Venice is steadfast in its mission to balance tourism with its unique cultural identity and environmental integrity.