Charging a fee in Venice is counterproductive.

Tourists take souvenir photos by the canal in Venice.

From April 25th, Venice implemented an entrance fee of 5 euros per person for visitors who did not stay overnight during peak days. After 11 days (April 25th - May 5th), the city authorities collected nearly 1 million euros.

The revenue generated was considered "beyond expectations" but still lower than the costs of setting up the online ticketing system for tourists, the promotional campaign, and paying ticket inspectors. According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the initial investment by the Venice authorities was 3 million euros.

However, visitor numbers remained unaffected, even "surpassing previous years," according to Andrea Martini of the All The City Together City Council. One council member stated that the measure was a "disastrous failure" because its primary purpose was to prevent the city from becoming overtourist- driven. Martini also noted that while the fee generated some revenue for the government, it "did not save the soul of the city."

"Venice is deteriorating because it's been neglected. To put it more accurately, it's only been used to make money," Martini said.

Entrance fees apply to day-trip visitors between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Locals, business travelers, students, and children under 14 are admitted free of charge.

Local authorities say this is a trial campaign. After the trial period, the entrance fee may double to 10 euros per day. In addition, authorities will also impose fines of up to 300 euros for those who evade paying the fee.

The introduction fee has also been met with opposition from many locals who believe it would turn Venice into a Disneyland, where visitors have to buy tickets. Since the fee was introduced, many websites in Italy have shared ways for day-visitors to avoid it. One example is that supporters of the Venice football team can attend matches without paying the 5 euro fee. Locals share that if tourists are invited by Venetians, they don't have to pay and are willing to provide these free QR codes. Some activists in Venice have even set up a website to help people share "friend codes" with day-visiters.

TB (according to VnExpress)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/thu-phi-venice-phan-tac-dung-382356.html