Venice will test a new ticketing system for day tourists next spring | for travel

UNESCO is considering adding the city to the “endangered heritage” list. In late July, the agency warned that the city was at risk of “irreversible” damage due to issues ranging from the climate crisis to mass tourism. To limit the influx of tourists, the historic beach city will trial a new ticket system in 2024.

The city’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, stressed that “Venice will always be open to everyone.” But he added, “It is necessary to regulate tourist flow at certain periods.” Local authorities confirm that the goal is to discourage daily tourism in certain seasons, taking into account the fragility and uniqueness of the city.

The plan has been on the table for some time and still needs approval from the City Council, which meets on September 12. Last Tuesday, City Council members approved a 30-day pilot project, expected to take place in the spring and summer of 2024, spanning holidays and weekends.

There are still many details to be discussed, such as the number of tickets available. What has already been established is that residents, passengers, students and children under 14 years old will be exempt. Tourists staying overnight in Venice also don’t have to pay to visit the city.

Municipal Tourism Advisor Simone Venturini stresses that the aim of the system is not to make money, but to achieve a “new balance” between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city.

Since August 2021, large cruise ships have already been banned in Venice for fear of causing irreparable damage to the beach city. In 2022, it was announced that from January 2023, tourists will have to book their visit online and pay – depending on the day – between 3 and 10 euros. However, this action was postponed.