If you plan on visiting Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge next year, among countless other Venetian hotspots, be forewarned.
According to CNN, starting on 16 January, 2023, Venice, Italy will be levying a dynamic tourism tax on day-tripper tourists. Prices are said to vary between three and ten euros per person.
The official pricing system will be revealed later this year; currently, it is widely reported that the tourist tax will fluctuate depending on a particular day’s popularity. Presumably, summertime cruise passengers will be paying the highest amount, while low-season visitors won’t be as affected.
Apparently, one goal of this surcharge is to lower taxes for Venetian denizens. Why not just raise the price of cigarettes, too?
On the bright side, those exempt from the proposed charge are Venice residents, disabled folks, children under six, people visiting relatives, medical tourists, overnight guests (who are already paying a tourism tax), and travelers attending sports or cultural events.
That last bit about sports and cultural events is a curious one.
My sole visit to Venice was in August 2007. It was an absolutely scrum throughout the city — and my presence of course didn’t help (i.e. I just added to the crowding) — made even busier due to the Venice Biennale taking place during that time.
In spite of the high costs and throngs of visitors, I at least got to meet one of my favorite actors at the event, Bill Murray. (Embarrassing photo alert)
If Venice thinks 3-10 euros will discourage people from visiting their unique destination, they’ve got another thing coming. Sure, Italy has alternatives to the tourism hub, and China has its own imitation, but I found it a standout worth visiting.
And if you find yourself in Bologna …
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