Venice increases its revenue from tourist tax and considers increasing it by 2025

16-07-24

The Venice City Council has reached a new milestone in its efforts to manage tourism in the city. Between April 24 and July 14 of this year, the city collected a total of €2.2 million through the €5 tourist tax imposed on visitors to the historic center. This amount is three times the initially planned figure of €700,000.

During this period, a total of 437,814 tourists paid the required ticket to access the historic center. In addition, more than 1.3 million people stayed in the city, reaching the maximum peak of 58,000 guests per night on April 27 and 28, according to data provided by 'Corriere del Veneto'.

Among those exempted from paying the tax are 159,000 Venice residents and 1.1 million people including students, workers, second home owners, guests and relatives of residents, as well as participants in events in the city. These exemptions show the balance sought by local authorities between raising funds and not harming the local population and those with direct ties to the city.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Municipality of Venice is considering doubling the tourist tax from €5 to €10 for those who book at the last minute. This measure seeks not only to increase revenue but also to encourage forward planning among tourists, which could help better manage visitor flows and reduce saturation during peak periods.

The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, has pointed out that the tax is “a correctable and improvable measure, but it does not seem to have had particular drawbacks”. Brugnaro acknowledges that there are problems and challenges in implementing the fee, but he is optimistic about the progress made so far. “Step by step we will get there,” said the mayor, underlining his commitment to the continuous improvement of this measure.

The main goal of the access fee, according to Brugnaro, is to make Venice more livable for its residents, workers, students and tourists. The city faces constant pressure due to the high number of visitors, which has led authorities to seek innovative solutions to maintain a balance between livability and sustainable tourism.

Venice, known worldwide for its canals, historic architecture and cultural richness, attracts millions of tourists every year. However, this massive influx has had a significant impact on the infrastructure and quality of life for residents. The tourist tax is one of the strategies adopted to mitigate these negative effects.

The introduction of the tourist tax has generated diverse reactions among visitors and local economic sectors. Some tourists have expressed dissatisfaction with the additional cost, while others understand the need for measures to preserve the city. On the other hand, local businesses have experienced a mix of results, with some reporting a decrease in sales due to fewer spontaneous visitors, while others have seen an increase in the quality of tourists, who tend to spend more on local services and products.

The Venice City Council continues to closely monitor the impact of the tourist tax and is willing to adjust the measure as needed. The city has implemented an online reservation system to facilitate the payment process and has increased staff presence at strategic points to inform and assist tourists.

In addition, other complementary initiatives are being explored, such as the promotion of alternative and less congested routes within the city, and the promotion of low-season visits. These strategies seek to better distribute the influx of tourists throughout the year and reduce pressure on the most affected areas.