The city of Venice is taking action against transient tourism, demanding an entrance fee from day visitors during peak times, with the goal of ensuring sustainable tourism practices.
Venice Reinstates Entrance Fee to Curb 'Eat and Flee' Tourism
Venice Reinstates Entrance Fee to Curb 'Eat and Flee' Tourism
To combat transient tourism and preserve its cultural heritage, Venice implements a new entrance fee for day trippers.
Venice, known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, faces a dual challenge: rising sea levels and an influx of short-stay tourists whose visits offer little economic benefit to the city. Officials are now implementing a renewed entrance fee for day visitors, which will take effect on Friday, to discourage “eat and flee” tourism. This term describes visitors who arrive, eat their packed lunches, create waste, and leave without contributing significantly to Venice’s economy.
This year, the city’s entrance fee applies for 54 days, a significant increase from the 30 days enforced in 2024. To further incentivize planning, last-minute entrants will incur a higher fee of 10 euros compared to the 5 euros charged to those who secure their permits in advance.
Simone Venturini, the municipal councilor responsible for tourism, emphasized the fee's role in stressing that Venice is both unique and fragile, and that tourism must be conducted in a respectful manner. The city's efforts to mitigate over-tourism also include banning large cruise ships from its lagoon and promoting initiatives to protect its cultural heritage.
Venice's approach serves as a model for other major tourist destinations grappling with similar pressures, demonstrating that proactive measures can help sustain cultural landmarks in the face of growing global tourism.
