Venice Revives Entrance Fee to Combat "Eat and Flee" Tourism

To tackle the rise of transient tourists who contribute little to the local economy, Venice has reinstated an entrance fee for visitors. The new regulations include a price increase for last-minute travelers and doubled enforcement days.

In a bid to address the challenges posed by transient tourists dubbed "eat and flee", Venice has once again implemented an entrance fee for visitors starting Friday. This decision reaffirms the city’s commitment to managing day tourism effectively, as it grapples with crowding in iconic areas like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square.

This year's measure is more aggressive than before, expanding the enforcement of the fee from 30 days last year to a total of 54 days in 2025. Travelers who make spur-of-the-moment decisions will find themselves facing a higher fee, paying 10 euros instead of the standard 5 euros for last-minute permits.

Local officials are hopeful the fee will help educate tourists about Venice's unique cultural heritage and the necessity for more responsible tourism practices. Simone Venturini, the municipal councilor responsible for tourism, expressed that the entrance fee is an essential strategy to encourage visitors to engage more meaningfully with the city, rather than just passing through with minimal economic contribution.

With cruise ships now banned from the lagoon and other crowd-control measures in effect, Venice is determined to preserve its allure and sustainability amid a continuous influx of travelers eager to experience its historic charm. The initiative aims not only to protect the city’s framework but also to ensure that those who visit contribute positively to the local economy.