Amid global media attention, the fragile lagoon city of Venice will on Thursday launch a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5 euro (about $5.35) entrance fee. Authorities hope this will deter tourists from visiting on peak days and revitalize the city. A city that is easy to live in for the declining population.
Publication date: 25/04/2024 – 08:32 Modification date: 25/04/2024 – 08:47
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Signs have been placed outside major train stations and other arrival points to inform arriving visitors of the new requirements for a 29-day testing phase until July.
Approximately 200 stewards are trained to carefully guide people who do not know the fare information through the QR code download process. For those who do not have a smartphone, we have set up a kiosk. Upon passing through the designated port of entry, officials will randomly check her QR code indicating that day tripper tax has been paid or the bearer is exempt.
Tourist information board outside the main train station in Venice, Italy, April 24, 2024. © Luca Bruno, AP
Violators are subject to fines ranging from 50 euros to 300 euros. This requirement only applies to those arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Outside of those hours, access is free.
“We need to find a new balance between tourists and residents,” said Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official. “Of course, we need to protect residents’ space and on certain days we need to prevent the arrival of day-trippers.”
Venice has long suffered from the pressures of overtourism, but officials say pre-pandemic estimates of 25 million to 30 million annual visitors (including day visitors) are unreliable and the pilot project More accurate numbers will help better manage the phenomenon.
By contrast, 4.6 million registered overnight visitors last year, according to city statistics, were down 16% from pre-pandemic highs.
Venturini said the city would be under stress if the number of day trippers reached 30,000 to 40,000. The narrow streets are crowded with people and the water taxis are full, making it difficult for residents to do business.
However, not all residents are convinced of the effectiveness of the new system to prevent mass tourism, arguing that more attention should be paid to increasing the population and necessary services.
Venice reached a significant milestone last year when the number of tourist beds exceeded the number of official residents for the first time, but the number is now below 50,000 in the historic center with its picturesque canals. ing.
Tommaso Cacciari, an activist who organized a protest against the measure on Thursday, said: “Issuing tickets to the city will not reduce the number of tourists visiting by one unit.” .
“You pay a ticket to ride the subway, go to a museum or an amusement park. You don’t have to pay a ticket to enter the city.” This is symbolic of the project, which reflects the city government’s vision to drive residents out of Venice. This is the final step.”
Venturini said about 6,000 people have already paid to download QR codes, and authorities expect the number of paid day-tripper arrivals to reach about 10,000 on Thursday.
More than 70,000 others have downloaded QR codes indicating exemptions, such as those working in Venice or residents of the Veneto region. Those staying at hotels in Venice, including mainland districts such as Marghera and Mestre, must also obtain her QR code, which proves their stay, including accommodation tax.
Tourism officials say Venice’s pilot program has received strong interest from other places struggling with mass tourism, including other Italian art cities and international cities such as Barcelona and Amsterdam.
(AP)
