Tourists visiting Venice will have to pay an entry fee starting January 16, 2023. The decision has been taken to reduce the issue of overcrowding. The lagoon city of Italy will be the first city in the world to take such a step.
Before visiting the city, tourists will have to book a spot and pay entry charge. It will be from €3 (Rs250) and will go till €10 (Rs820).
Not all tourists arriving in Venice will be charged. Children and differently-abled people are exempted. Homeowners, people visiting for health reasons, relatives and tourists travelling to attend cultural or sports event shall be exempted. Those not required to pay the entry fee will be paying the tourist tax via their hotel.
Simone Venturini, tourism councilor of the city, said the new measure will help address overtourism.