Foto di Gerhard Bögner da Pixabay
Hello friends
Today, I wanted to create this post regarding the protocol that has been devised on this platform, where I provide interesting and up-to-date information for visiting the city of Venice. I believe Venice needs no introduction; it is known worldwide for its beauty and the fact that it is practically an open-air museum. However, there is some news not only for tourists coming from all over the world to visit but also for us Italians who may visit this beautiful city for a day.
Foto di Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke da Pixabay
In fact, the Venice City Council, in an experimental move to preserve this tourist city from mass tourism, has decided to introduce an entrance fee to the city of €5. This fee will apply for 30 days a year, and technically, they will choose the days with the highest tourist influx, such as during the summer and holiday periods. This decision has caused quite a stir, mainly because it can be risky in terms of tourism. Some other countries around the world have introduced similar fees, and there has been a decrease in tourist numbers. However, these funds will also be used to preserve Venice, which, as you know, is slowly sinking due to climate change.
Foto di Matteo Angeloni da Pixabay
But who will be exempt from this fee? For example, I will be exempt because I reside in the Veneto region, where Venice is located. Minors under 14 years old will also be exempt, as well as those who come to Venice for study or work reasons. People staying in accommodations within the city will also be exempt. It's worth noting that in Italy, there are also tourist taxes to be paid by those staying in certain tourist cities. For example, in Venice, it's 4.5 euros per night.
How will you purchase the ticket and reserve entry? In the coming months, a website will be created where you can buy the ticket and reserve entry. This will be necessary even for those who have free entry, like in my case. A QR code will be issued, although it's not yet clear how ticket checks will be conducted and whether turnstiles will be installed.
Foto di Ruth Archer da Pixabay
Will this measure serve to limit mass tourism? In my opinion, I'm not entirely sure this measure will yield results. However, since it's a trial period for about 30 days, we'll be able to see if it's an effective measure or not. Nonetheless, it's true that on certain days and during certain periods, visiting Venice is quite a challenge as you can hardly move through its streets. I hope, above all, that the funds collected from this ticket will be used to improve services for tourists and for the permanent residents of Venice.
I hope you found this post and the information I provided interesting. Thank you for reading, and see you in my next post! Goodbye, everyone!
