Venice Mayor Proposes Raising Tourist Access Fee to €30–€50 on Peak Days

Overview

• Simone Venturini proposed the increase on Saturday, saying the fee should rise from the current €5–€10 to €30–€50 on days of strong influx to rebalance residents’ and visitors’ needs.
• The current access contribution applies on about 60 preset days with a €5 early‑booking rate and €10 last‑minute rate and exempts overnight guests, Veneto residents and children under 14.
• City figures show the scheme raised €2.4 million in its first year but did not cut visitor numbers because many day visitors paid the charge rather than cancel.
• Any large hike or change to the fee ceiling must be approved by Rome because national law sets the maximum, so the proposal remains subject to negotiation with the Italian government.
• Officials are also weighing extending the charge to more days or year‑round as a tool to reduce daily pressure on housing, shops and services in Venice’s shrinking historic centre.