One of Italy’s busiest hotspots has announced a new booking requirement for tourists in a bid to tackle overcrowding.
Venice suffers severe congestion on its narrow streets and canals during peak periods, when thousands of people flock to the city on day trips to see the historical sites and snap pictures on its world-famous bridges.
But authorities say the influx of short-stay travellers during weekends and public holidays is putting strain on local infrastructure while contributing less to Venice’s economy, as day-trippers don’t spend as much as overnight guests.
Read more: Venice introduces ‘double’ fees for UK tourists as city demands ‘full respect’
The city has now approved plans for a new booking system, which will require tourists to plan their trips in advance, helping authorities to better-manage crowd flow.
The booking system will be enforced during eight-and-a-half peak hours, from 8.30am to 4pm, on the 54 days of the year in 2025. That’s an increase from 29 days in 2024.
Those without a reservation will be subject to a €10 fee – double the current charge – in an effort to deter last-minute visitors flocking to the city on high-demand days.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the new rule would help Venice to ‘gain more control over visitor numbers’, while supporting the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and improving residents’ quality of life. He added: “Venice deserves full respect.”
Certain groups will be continue to be exempt from paying the tourist tax, including residents, Venetian-born people, workers, students, children under 14 and holidaymakers with hotel reservations.
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