(CNN) —The countdown has started. From 16 January 2023, visitors to Venice, the crown jewel of Italian tourism, must pay the privilege.
It will be the first city in the world to require admission. The release date was announced at a press conference on Friday by Venetian Tourism Council Simone Venturini.
Venturini called the new measure a "great revolution" and a solution to the overtourism problem that the city of Lagoon had been struggling with for decades.
Ticket costs range from a minimum of € 3 to a maximum of € 10. The price is not fixed, but it depends on the number of visitors. The more requests for admission, the higher the cost.
According to Venturini, the goal is not to "close the city", but to get people to book their presence to reduce the "peak of tourists". is. "Venice is a living city and must stay that way," he said.
Exception
Complex ticket booking system and its online platform will be announced this fall. There are many exceptions to admission ticket requirements, explained budget councilor Michele Zuin.
Residents and children under the age of 6 are exempt, disabled, homeowners, people coming to the city for health reasons, visiting relatives, participating in sports People are also exempt. Or a cultural event.
Guests also avoid paying admission fees as they have already paid the tourism tax through the hotel.
"It's not a system for making cash, it's a system for managing the flow of tourists," Zuin emphasized. The income from the admission fee will be used to reduce the already very high Venetian taxes due to the large number of tourists that need to be accommodated.
Admission applies to the historic center of Venice and the following islands:
Lido di Venezia, Perez Trina, Murano, Brano, Torcello, Sant'Erasmo, Mazzorbo, Magtrobetto, Vignole, S. Andrea, La Certosa, S. Servolo, S. Clemente, Poveglia.
Ticket violations range from 50 euros up to 300 euros.
Post-pandemic mentality
"Covid wasn't what happened before Covid. Is now accepted-just as sensitivity (to the crowd) has changed, so has the spirit, "he said.
He explained that the booking system "knows the expected number of people for the day and gives us the opportunity to adjust the service accordingly."
Venturini also said in April that the portal would flag people as they might want to change their minds.
"Visitors, I don't recommend coming on this day. It's Ferragost [August Holiday] or Easter. Lots of people will come together, so peace. You can enjoy more visits if you visit a week later, "he said.
Venturini also predicted that Venezia would not be the last to be charged.
"Many other European citizens living with quite a few day trippers understand how they can introduce a [similar plan]. I think I'm watching over us for that, "he said.
This price attracted visitors, with the number of visitors increasing from 40,000 in 2009 to 1 million in 2018.
Main image: Pre-pandemic crowd at St. Marks Square in Venice. (MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP / Getty Images)
