"Could Turn into a Major Disaster"...Venice in Chaos from the First Day of Entrance Fee Implementation

by Koo Nari

Published 26 Apr.2024 14:52(KST)

Updated 26 Apr.2024 14:54(KST)

Confusion Including Certificate Issuance with Inspector Assistance

Italy's representative tourist city Venice began charging an entrance fee to day-trippers starting on the 25th (local time). However, contrary to expectations, confusion seems to be increasing on-site due to the entrance fee.

"What entrance fee are you talking about?"... Confused by the entrance fee policy, struggling with digital technology

The city of Venice, Italy, has been charging a 5-euro (approximately 7,000 won) entrance fee to day-trip tourists starting from the 25th in order to reduce the number of visitors.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 25th, British daily The Guardian and others reported that tourists visiting that day were experiencing confusion starting from the payment process for the entrance fee. Venice implemented this policy with the intention of dispersing crowds by requiring only day-trippers to pay the entrance fee during peak times such as weekends. Day-trippers must pay a "city entrance fee" of 5 euros (about 7,000 won) through the official website and then download a QR code proving payment. Tourists staying one night or more are issued a free QR code. On Italy's national holiday that day, about 15,700 tourists either prepaid or paid the day-trip entrance fee on-site by late afternoon, the media reported. However, complaints arose from tourists unfamiliar with digital technology.

A woman traveling from Ireland with her husband barely completed the QR code issuance process with the help of an inspector. She pointed out, "It seems to take a long time," and said, "Imagine if you are not skilled in handling technology." Her husband, standing nearby, also expressed concern, saying, "I understand why (Venice) wants to do this, but it could become a 'disaster'." Many tourists were still unaware of the entrance fee policy. Travelers were seen confused in various places, asking, "What entrance fee are you talking about?"

"Entrance fee is not a solution to 'overtourism'... Should we pay an entrance fee just for stepping on the ground? It infringes on freedom of movement"

Voices opposing the entrance fee policy are also strong. They argue that charging an entrance fee does little to solve 'overtourism' and violates 'freedom of movement.' An activist from the civic group Arci criticized, "This will set a dangerous precedent," adding, "We have become the only city in the world where you have to pay to enter, which violates the Italian Constitution and the European principle of freedom of movement."