Venice has long been trying to cope with the excessive influx of tourists. Two years ago, a ban on the entry of large cruise ships was introduced. And starting in the spring of 2024, despite concerns about the potential loss of revenue, Venice plans to introduce a ticketing system for tourists planning to visit the historic city centre for one day. According to this decision, visitors will have to pay five euros for entry. This measure is aimed at mitigating the impact of mass tourism. 

The City Council's Executive Committee supported the initiative in response to recent UNESCO recommendations. Venice is proposed to be included in the list of endangered world heritage sites, in particular, due to problems associated with excessive tourism, The Guardian reports .

The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, stressed that although regulating tourist flows is important, it does not mean closing the city; Venice will remain open to everyone. The main purpose of the innovation is to prevent daily tourism during certain periods, given the fragility and uniqueness of the city.

According to a statement from the local authorities, local residents, passengers, students, children under 14 and tourists staying overnight are exempt from paying the fee.

Before final approval, the executive plans to conduct a 30-day trial, which is likely to take place on public holidays and weekends in the spring of 2024.

Simone Venturini, a member of the City Council for Tourism, stressed that the proposed €5 fee is intended to cover costs, not generate revenue. The overriding goal is to strike a balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit it.

UNESCO, which declared Venice a World Heritage Site in 1987, has consistently stressed the need for more sustainable tourism management.