Venice in north east Italy, built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon (环礁湖) in the Adriatic Sea, is surrounded by water and many people use canals and boats to get around. An estimated 30 million tourists come to Venice each year, but despite its popularity, a new charge has been introduced for people visiting on busy days. People visiting Venice on day trips have to pay a five euro tax from Saturday 27 April to Sunday 14 July.
Lots of tourists visit Venice — the city itself only has a population of 50,000 people, and it can get very busy in peak seasons. People who live in the city have complained that tourism is making the historic site overcrowded, and that people often leave litter and mess after visiting. It’s hoped that the charge will encourage less people to come on already-busy days, to avoid overcrowding.
Day trippers will only have to pay the tax if visiting the “old city” — which is the area inside the lagoon, and includes major tourist locations and famous bridges. Anyone visiting Venice just for the day between 8:30 AM and 4 PM will pay the tax. If you’re staying inside the City of Venice, which is the lagoon area, you won’t have to pay as you’re already staying there. Also if you’re a resident or you own a property there, you won’t have to pay. You also won’t have to pay if you’re under 15, working in the area, or studying in Venice. There are already charges for people visiting Venice anyway, which people usually pay if they are staying in accommodation.
People will be able to pay the charge on their phones and download a QR code to show to inspectors. They will check people at random in common arrival areas, like the train station. Those without a ticket risk getting a fine ranging from 50-300 euros.