A Swiss mountain village is to introduce a Venetian-style entrance fee for holidaymakers after being overwhelmed with tourists.
Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland sees a surge in tourists during the warm season, some of whom stay for only a day and contribute little to the economy.
Meanwhile, traffic in the village has reached maximum levels, and local residents have also complained of lewd acts by guests, local media reported.
The move comes after Venice was rocked last month by violent clashes between police and protesters protesting a controversial new “tourist tax” on short-term visitors.
Demonstrators carrying signs and banners lined the historic canals and narrow alleys of Italian cities, showing their disdain for a unique new policy aimed at cracking down on overtourism during the busy season.
Lauterbrunnen (pictured) in the Bernese Oberland sees a surge in tourists during the warm season Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland The Jungfrau towers over the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the summer in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Critics say the €5 (about £4.30) fee, which runs until May 5 in Venice and on weekends until July 14, is likely to have a major impact on around 30 million people traveling to Venice annually. He said it was low.
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Lauterbrunnen is currently considering raising the entrance fee to between CHF5 and CHF10 (£4.33), which day-trippers arriving by car would also have to pay.
“Exceptions will be made for guests who have booked special deals such as hotels and excursions, and for guests arriving by public transportation,” Mayor Karl Knepflin said.
As things are currently being clarified, it may be some time before the fees come into force in Lauterbrunnen.
Despite pleas from residents’ groups to reconsider the plan, Venice last month imposed an entry fee on day-trippers with the aim of reducing the number of short-term visitors who cause unmanageable crowds during peak hours. It became the world’s first city.
The so-called “tourist tax” is controversial, with several residents’ committees and organizations planning protests to coincide with its introduction in Italy.
Large crowds gathered carrying colorful banners and marched in opposition.
Lawmakers argued that the fee would not solve the underlying problem and would only tarnish the city’s public image.
