For its detractors, the measure embodies the risk of a definitive transformation of Venice into an amusement park. On busy days, such as this Thursday, April 25, a public holiday celebrating Italy’s liberation from fascism, tourists wishing to wander its alleys and the banks of its canals of unparalleled beauty will now have to provide an entry ticket after having previously reserved their visit, paying the sum of 5 euros.
In 2024, this regime will be imposed for twenty-nine dates identified as critical by the municipality. The objective is to lighten the weight placed on the infrastructure and delicate heritage of Venice by the massive flows of travelers who distort the urban life of the lagoon city. More specifically, the authorities are trying to discourage daily visitors, whose economic contribution is low, but who also clog up the narrow passages and bridges of the historic center.
The introduction of the entry ticket, carried by the center-right mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, is a response to the recurring controversies over the devastation inflicted on Venice by the “overtourism” in a city whose beauties constitute a colossal economic income. The implementation of this reform also integrates the commitments made by the municipality to prevent Venice and its lagoon from being placed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger. Recommended in a report from the World Heritage Center in July 2023, such a ban was narrowly avoided.
Multiple exemptions planned
On Thursday, residents’ committees and left-wing activists in Venice also expressed their opposition to the new procedures. For them, it is the final step in an urban transformation aimed at moving the Venetian islands from being a city, with its inhabitants and daily functions, to being nothing more than a tourist site. depopulated and exploited excessively. “Nothing has ever been done to regulate tourism. (…) I did it »declared the mayor of Venice, Mr. Brugnaro.
However, this measure seems more symbolic than likely to bring about structural change. Out of 113,000 entries into Venice on April 25, only 15,700 tourists had to pay for a ticket due to multiple exemptions provided. Accused of all evils, daily visitors are only one aspect among many others of tourism excesses which, in Venice, remain far too lucrative to be truly combated.