Venice's increased tourist tax of 10 still unlikely to control the crowds, experts warn

Despite the introduction of a tourist access fee in 2024, which was intended to control visitor numbers, Venice saw a significant increase in daily tourists, averaging 7,000 more visitors on days the fee was active compared to the previous year. This indicates that the fee did not deter tourism as intended, and the city plans to expand the tax for 2025 to further manage the growing number of tourists in a bid to protect its historic sites.

The city council under mayor Luigi Brugnaro announced that in 2025, the tourist access fee will be doubled to €10 for those who book less than four days in advance. Additionally, the number of days this fee will be enforced will increase from 29 to 54. The planned expansion reflects ongoing challenges in managing Venice's immense tourist influx while balancing the needs of residents, infrastructure, and preserving its cultural heritage.

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