updateTourists in Venice were required to have an entrance ticket to visit the city for the first time on Thursday. Local authorities say around 13,000 tickets had been sold by late morning.
This is a test at the busiest times of the year. The city hopes that the measure will help limit the negative impact of the huge numbers of tourists going to Venice.
Signs appeared at the train station and other locations informing visitors that they can purchase a ticket for 5 euros. Tourists do not have to go through an entrance gate, but they can be checked in the city.
The new system is intended to put a brake on the enormous number of visitors on the busiest days of the year. The city is one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide.
29 busy days have been marked for this year. There are exceptions. For example, a ticket is not necessary for an overnight stay in the city, for children under the age of 14 and for people with disabilities. Anyone who does not have a ticket risks a fine of 50 to 300 euros.
More visitors than residents
In the historic center of the city there are sometimes more visitors than residents. Venice attracts millions of tourists every year, while the city has 50,000 inhabitants. In 2022, 3.2 million people stayed overnight in the city alone. On top of that there are tens of thousands of day trippers every day.
The hope is that requiring people to buy a ticket on busy days will encourage people to come on quieter days. The proceeds also help pay for maintenance.
According to the UN organization UNESCO, the world heritage is in danger of being endangered by the large numbers of tourists, plus rising sea water as a result of climate change. The Venetian trial is being watched closely in other areas where many tourists visit. In Amsterdam, too, Venice is often cited as an image of a city overrun by visitors.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.
Yes, I want free unlimited access
