Venice’s new mayor seeks to raise day-tripper fee to up to €50

Venice's new mayor, Simone Venturini, announced this week his intention to increase the controversial entrance fee for day-trippers to the city. The proposed fee could rise to as much as €50 (£43) per person. Venturini, who was elected mayor in late May, stated that the objective of this higher fee is to further discourage tourist arrivals, particularly during periods of peak visitor numbers. This initiative builds upon the existing entry fee system, which was first implemented on a trial basis in April 2024. The initial fee ranged from €2.50 to €10, depending on the season, and was intended to manage overcrowding and its impact on the city's infrastructure and residents. The mayor's proposal signifies a more aggressive approach to managing the city's tourism challenges, aiming to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of Venice's unique environment and quality of life for its inhabitants. The specific timeline for the implementation of the increased fee has not yet been detailed, but the mayor's strong stance suggests it will be a priority for his administration.