Venice has confirmed that it will be the first city in the world to require visitors to pay an entrance fee.
From January 16, 2023, visitors to the Italian tourism drawcard will have to pay for the privilege.
The launch date was announced by Venice's councillor for tourism, Simone Venturini, at a press conference on Friday.
Venturini called the new measure a "great revolution," and a solution for the overcrowding problem that the lagoon city has been battling with for decades.
The cost of the ticket will range from a €3 minimum up to €10.
The price will not be fixed, but will vary according to the number of visitors: The more demand for entry, the higher the cost. Which sounds suitably confusing.
The aim, Venturini explained, is not to "close the city," but to get people to book their presence to reduce the ‘tourist peaks’.
The ticket booking system and its online platform will be unveiled this fall. There are many exceptions to the entrance ticket mandate, explained Michele Zuin, councillor for the budget.
Residents and children aged under six will be exempt, as will disabled people, homeowners, those who come to the city for health reasons or to visit relatives, and those coming to attend a sporting or cultural event.
Overnight hotel guests will also avoid paying the entrance fee because they'll already be paying a tourist tax through their hotel.
"It is not a system to make cash but to manage tourist flows," Zuin said. The proceeds from the entrance fee will go to lowering the taxes of Venetians, which are already high due to the large volume of tourists that need to be accommodated.
The entrance fee will apply to the Venice historic centre and major islands.
The fines for ticket violations will range from €50-300.
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