In brief
Venice officials have reintroduced an entrance fee for day visitors, aiming to combat the ‘eat and flee’ phenomenon that burdens the city’s economy and environment.
In a historic shift, Venice is reimplementing an entrance fee for day tourists, commencing this Friday. This decision is aimed at tackling the growing trend of "eat and flee" tourism, where visitors rush through iconic locations like Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, contributing little to the local economy. This year, the city has expanded the enforcement to 54 days—up from 30 days in 2024—reflecting the urgency to manage visitor numbers effectively.Starting this year, day trippers will be charged five euros for entry, with a new fee of ten euros imposed on last-minute permits. Simone Venturini, the municipal councilor overseeing tourism, stated that this measure serves to underscore the uniqueness and fragility of Venice, calling for a more respectful approach to tourism. The introduction of this fee has been met with mixed responses but is seen as a necessary step to ensure Venice’s cultural heritage remains preserved amidst rising tourist numbers.
