The 5 euro entrance tax payable by day visitors to Venice has far from contributed to limiting tourist flows, since during the trial period, which ended on 5 May, more than 195,000 tickets were sold, generating revenues of 975,000 euros, far more than the city had expected.
However, the local authority is not convinced of the effectiveness of the entry tax. They point out that tourists have not decreased. On the contrary, on the last Sunday of the trial period, there was an influx of 70,000 visitors, about 5,000 more than in the same period last year.
The measure, which initially applied only on weekends between 8.30am and 4pm until mid-July, was met with scepticism by some local associations. Some experts criticised the initiative, calling it a complete failure, pointing out that the tax is nothing more than an artfully orchestrated marketing campaign with no real intention of reducing the number of visitors.
Those who oppose the entry tax argue that residents are subjected to hassles such as showing their ID and submitting personal details of their guests to be exempt from the tax. They see these requirements as a further burden on permanent residence in Venice.
The impact of mass tourism is not limited to the city’s infrastructure, but also affects the well-being of its residents. Residents are dissatisfied with the increase in the cost of living, the reduction in the quality of services and the shift in the focus of commercial activities towards tourists at the expense of residents. For example, the cost of groceries and other daily necessities has increased due to demand from tourists, while noise and litter from tourist activities have made the city less pleasant.
Venice is visited by about 80,000 tourists on a daily basis, compared to 49,000 residents. However, there is hope. Experts suggest using advanced technologies, such as online booking systems and big data, that analyse tourism trends to monitor and manage tourist flows. In addition, it would be beneficial to promote more sustainable and responsible forms of tourism that highlight the city’s cultural heritage without burdening it.
