A The city of Venice, in Italy, began charging a daily fee to its visitors this Thursday, a measure to combat mass tourism.
This is an ‘online’ tax of five euros, applicable to tourists who visit the city for just one day and which will only cover a maximum of 30 days when the number of days is traditionally higher, such as weekends with bridges in spring and summer.
The measure generated controversy, was discussed for many months, and was finally approved… with the aim of removing mass tourists from the city.
Sylvain Pellarin was the first tourist in the city to pay the controversial fee and… he didn’t seem at all bothered.
“I don’t mind paying if the money is used to preserve the city”, said the 55-year-old Frenchman, who says he has been visiting the city since he was young and that over the years he has noticed the mass increase in tourists.
“I think it’s right to pay to visit a city like Venice”, he argued in statements to The Telegraph, after having proudly paid the 5 euro fee.
At his side, the American Michanowicz also agreed. “I think it’s the right thing to do. The Venetians have already suffered too much from excessive tourism. As a tourist, you come, eat and leave. Who’s going to clean up all the mess? I would be willing to pay 10 euros. If you’re going to visit a beautiful city, why not support it?” said the 64-year-old man.
Remember that Venice, an island city founded in the 5th century, became a great maritime power in the 10th century, extends over 118 islets, according to Unesco, having become a World Heritage Site in 1987.
‘La Serenissima’ is one of the most visited cities in the world, with 100,000 tourists staying overnight in Venice at peak tourism, in addition to tens of thousands of daily visitors.
In addition to mass tourism, Venice and its lagoon suffer from high tides that regularly flood St. Mark’s Square and weaken the foundations of its buildings.
Read Also: Mayor of Venice expects “dilution” of tourism with new tax
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