Starting next year, Venice is extending and doubling its tourist tax for visitors who arrive without prior reservations. The tax, aimed at managing the high volume of tourists flooding the city, will now apply on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from April 18 to July 27, 2025. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro states that the tax helps manage overtourism and alleviate the strain on local infrastructure, especially during weekends and holiday periods when visitor numbers soar.
The tax for last-minute arrivals will increase to approximately $11, while visitors who make reservations at least four days in advance will pay the standard $5.40. This adjustment is intended to encourage planning, deterring spontaneous trips that can add to congestion in the city’s narrow streets and public spaces. The tax will be in effect during peak hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., targeting high-impact visitation times.
Exceptions to the tax include Venice residents, individuals born in Venice, students, commuters, and hotel guests with reservations. These exemptions are part of a broader effort to minimize disruption for locals and those conducting essential business within the city.
Venice officials first implemented the tax on a trial basis last year, generating $2.6 million in revenue. City authorities estimate that around 1,000 tourists entered on each designated tax day. However, opinions among residents are mixed. Some argue that the tax has done little to curb the actual numbers of tourists, with data suggesting that visitor levels have continued to climb.
The iconic canal city, with a population of about 50,000, now hosts between 25 to 30 million tourists annually. While the tax is one measure, residents and officials are considering additional strategies to balance the city’s tourism-driven economy with sustainable visitation levels.
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