Venice has won approval to introduce an entry fee of up to €10 for short-stay tourists. Italy's budget for 2019 has a clause enabling Venice to impose the fee, targeting day-trippers arriving on cruise ships. Tourists already pay a similar "landing tax" when they visit the Italian island. Hundreds of cruise ships moor in Venice every year, allowing over a million passengers to see the city's sights.
Venetians have long complained that mass tourism is swamping the city, adored for its picturesque canals. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said that the "landing tax" would generate much-needed income to keep the city clean. It is expected to be set at €2.50 to €5 per person, but at peak times in the summer it could rise to €10. Venice plans to have the tax in place for the 2019 high season. The new tax will bring in about €50m annually.
Source: Venice Municipality
