Protesters Clash with Authorities in Venice Over Controversial “Tourist Tax”
Venice Tourist Tax Sparks Outrage Among Locals and Holidaymakers
PROTESTERS marching against a controversial “tourist tax” slapped on short stay holidaymakers have clashed with cops. Furious demonstrators wielding colourful placards and banners descended on Venice’s narrow streets and picturesque canals to voice their opposition to the decision.
Venice’s “Entry Fee” Draws Criticism
The proposal has been debated for years – but Venice will begin charging day-trippers €5 (£4.30) if visiting the historical Italian centre from today until May 5. Venice is the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for holidaymakers. The new measures have been introduced due to the over tourism the area suffers from.
Locals and Tourists Stand Together Against the Fee
The council executive backed the move just weeks after UN cultural agency UNESCO recommended Venice be added to its list of world heritage in danger, in part because of the impact of mass tourism. Locals also lined the streets to support disgruntled tourists. Matteo Secchi, who leads residents’ activist group Venessia.com, said: “I can tell you that almost the entire city is against it.”
Exceptions to the Rule
Not everyone will have to pay the charge. People who live in Venice are exempt, as are students and kids under the age of 14. And anyone staying in Venice overnight also won’t have to pay the €5 charge.
The Purpose Behind the Fee
Simone Venturini, the city’s council member for tourism, said the new scheme was not about making money, but to find a “balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice, and those who visit the city.” The city is yet to reveal how many tickets will be sold per day, meaning some tourists could be turned away on entry.
Conclusion
Former mayor Massimo Cacciari slammed the ‘tax’, pointing out that tourists already “pay for everything” and urged visitors to refuse paying the fee. But tourism councillor Simone Venturini applauded the fee as a pragmatic approach to reducing the effects of over tourism. “We want to discourage day-trippers from visiting Venice during these 29 designated days,” he said. “Fewer day trippers does not mean less revenue because overnight tourists are more important to the economy of the city.”