Venice debates day-tripper tax amid overtourism concerns

Venice debates a daily tax for day-trippers as overtourism pressures the city and its residents.

Venice faces a turning point as overtourism tax stirs backlash

Venice hosts about 30 million visitors each year. A daily 5 euro tax for day-trippers was introduced as a trial on 54 days from April to July to curb overtourism. Officials reported 720,000 payments this season, up from 485,000 last year. The policy sparked mixed reactions among residents and businesses. Some say the tax is a nuisance rather than a solution, while others argue it could help fund preservation and services. Critics cited social media posts and private comments calling the approach unfair or ineffective. In June, Setrak Tokatzian, head of Piazza San Marco Association, urged a higher rate of 100 euros, arguing revenue should reflect the city’s cost of overcrowding.

The policy highlights a core tension in cities that draw crowds: keep heritage and livability in balance with economic benefits. A flat daily fee is simple but blunt, and risks alienating locals and visitors alike. If the goal is lasting change, policymakers may need a mix of price signals, access controls, and targeted investments. The broader question is whether such measures address structural causes or merely treat symptoms.

Highlights

The city will see whether policy and patience can keep Venice livable for generations