Press
Venice is asking day tourists to pay: The city has officially launched the world's first – but the start was bumpy, to say the least.
Venice – What is unique in the world was officially launched on Thursday in one of the largest tourist hotspots: From now on, the city of Venice will be the first city in the world to charge entry for day tourists. The town has been fighting for a long time for the project, which has now finally started. However, the first day looked more like chaos than relaxation for the narrow streets between the canals. A first conclusion.
At the start, the city authorities set up information stands where the arrivals from the mainland were welcomed. There were repeated questions about who has to pay now and how that happens. In principle, all day guests pay five euros between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. To do this you should find out more Get a QR code online and download it to your cell phone. Otherwise, a fine of up to 300 euros may be due.
Venice asks day tourists to pay – travelers wander around the train station
However, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro initially promised “very gentle controls”. In any case, in the first few hours there was no fine. At the same time, the center-right politician asked for understanding: “I apologize for the inconvenience. But we can't just talk. We have a duty to preserve the city for future generations.”
However, the whole thing didn't go smoothly. After arriving, tourists wandered around the train station with backpacks and suitcases, unsure whether they had to pay money or not. The fear that people won't be able to get into the city remains unfounded. The project, initially scheduled for 29 specific days until mid-July, has no upper limit. Anyone who pays is allowed in. But the paying thing doesn't seem to be quite working yet.
Five euro entry for a Venice day trip: 113,000 people registered – only 15,700 paid
According to the administration, 113,000 people registered their stay in the Italian city with less than 50,000 inhabitants on Thursday alone. However, only 15,700 actually paid the fee of five euros. All other people are locals, overnight guests or people affected by exceptions such as commuters or children.
In addition to the confusion among tourists, there was also discontent among the population. Such as La Republica reported, there were protests within the city. The demonstration was approved, but in a more hidden corner of the city. The procession therefore moved to busier parts, the Libertà Bridge and was blocked and was met by police officers at Piazzale Roma. They are said to have violently pushed the people back and batons were used.
Demonstration against Venice flat rate – police use batons
Before that, according to the report, the demonstrators Republica Distributed fake tickets with the words “Welcome to Venice” written on them. Banners read slogans such as “No to the ticket, yes to houses and services for all” and “Venice will not be sold, it will be defended”.
The reactions to the introduction of the ticket are now quite different. A number of citizens, including those outside the protesting group, do not believe that the regulation can stop mass tourism – up to 15 million guests come to the lagoon city every year. It also disrupts the controls that also affect locals.
Venice tourist package a success? City council draws positive initial conclusions
Those responsible in the city around Mayor Brugnaro, on the other hand, consider the start to be a success despite all the adversities. “We are the first to put a concrete system for controlling tourist flows into practice,” city council members Simine Venturini and Michele Zuini are quoted as saying. However, one is also aware that the rule still needs improvement.
The regulation came into force on Thursday because April 25th is a public holiday in Italy to commemorate the end of the German occupation in 1945. Because of the May 1st holiday, many Italians are using the coming days for an extremely long weekend. In addition, a high-ranking visitor is expected in Venice on Sunday: Pope Francis is coming to the city for a few hours to visit the art biennale. Of course, there is an exception for the head of the Catholic Church: Francis does not have to pay anything. In addition to the fee, there are also numerous offenses in Venice that can be expensive for tourists. (han/dpa)
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