Travelers looking to explore the wonders of Venice, Italy, should be prepared for upcoming changes. Starting in 2024, the city is set to implement a tourism tax for daytrippers, as announced by the city council.
After years of contemplation and several delays, the Venice city council has given the green light for a pilot program that will impose a 5-euro (approximately $5.35) entry fee on non-overnight guests.
Further details of this initiative are expected to be solidified during a meeting scheduled for September 12. Venice officials expressed their aim, stating that the primary objective is “to discourage daily tourism during specific periods.”
When will the Venice Tourism Tax Start?
The implementation of the Venice tourism tax is scheduled for the spring of 2024. The city intends to levy these charges during 30 high-demand travel days, with a particular emphasis on significant weekends in the spring and summer seasons.
Who has to pay the Venice Tourism Tax?
The 5-euro tourism tax in Venice will not be applicable to hotel guests, nor will it affect the city’s residents, workers, commuters, or students. Additionally, families embarking on day trips to Venice will find some relief, as children under the age of 14 will be exempt from the fee, even on days when the city imposes charges on daytrippers.
More Information on the Venice Tourism Tax in 2024
The city’s focus is on managing the overwhelming influx of daytime tourists that flood its streets, particularly during peak vacation seasons. It’s a delicate balance, considering the significant role that tourist spending plays in supporting the city’s many restaurants and shops.
Venice is the latest in a series of popular tourist destinations to introduce or enhance tourism-related fees in recent years.
Read More: Bali to Charge Tourist Tax in 2024
Leaders across the globe, from Europe to New Zealand, have grappled with the dual effects of substantial tourism revenue and the strain these visitors place on the environment and infrastructure. These pressures were especially pronounced in the period leading up to the pandemic and in the past couple of years.
This summer, UNESCO specifically recommended including Venice on its list of endangered heritage sites, citing various factors, including the impact of tourism, severe weather events, and climate change.
In Conclusion
After a few years of postponement, it now seems that the Venice tourism tax for day visitors will come into effect in 2024. The rollout will be gradual, with a 5-euro fee applied on 30 peak days during the spring and summer for non-overnight guests. This means that if you plan to visit Italy during the busiest travel periods next year and wish to make a day trip to Venice, anyone over the age of 14 in your group will be required to pay the fee.
If you’d like to avoid this minor additional expense during your travels, consider staying at one of the city’s hotels by browsing booking.com here.
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