Martini in hand and pursuing another, I stumble to the bar—not because I’m drunk but because the bar itself is moving. I’m on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe; specifically, in Bar Car 3674, swathed in sapphire velvet and buzzing with passengers in their black-tie best for cocktail hour. Outside, the landscape unfurls gradually, the industrial tableaus of France’s heartland fading into fields baking under the summer sun. Golden hour has hit; onboard, cufflinks and jewels catch the light and shine. There’s a mirthful sparkle to the crowd, guests and crew alike, made even more apparent by our close quarters on the train. As I sidle past a woman in a sequined dress, our crystal coupes meet by chance in a delicate clink. She and I exchange introductions and share a proper toast: We’re finally here.
Venice could increase its tourist tax in 2025
24.07.2024 - 15:35 / thepointsguy.com / Luigi Brugnaro
Venice, Italy, trialed a tourist tax earlier this year by charging day-trippers 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the city on 29 days. Now, the City of Bridges is planning to continue the tax next year and possibly increase the fee.
The Venice tourist tax was hotly debated for several years, and after many delays and setbacks, the tax was set into motion earlier this year — a small trial run was held on select days between April 25 and July 14.
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Those who entered the city before 8:30 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (or those staying in hotels who already paid a lodging tax) were exempt from paying the fee. Visitors who didn't pay were subject to on-the-spot fines of anywhere between 50 and 300 euros ($54-$325) if they failed a random spot check.
The tourist tax was initially launched to combat overtourism in Venice, which is arguably one of Europe's most well-known and popular destinations. Despite the fee, however, few travelers were discouraged — an average of 75,000 visitors came to the city each day during the first 11 days of the trial.
But while the tax didn't hugely reduce visitor numbers, it did generate around 2.4 million euros in additional income. According to city officials, the money could be used to fund essential municipal services within Venice, such as garbage removal and canal maintenance.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and Deputy Mayor Assessore Simone Venturini have both hinted that the tax will likely continue and increase, and enforcement will be amplified. According to city officials, some are advocating to double the fee, while others argue that the price increase should depend on whether the fee is paid in advance or at the last minute.
Though the details aren't set in stone yet, Brugnaro has hinted that he's willing to explore more ways to modify the tourist tax system to combat overtourism. "We just have to wait for the autumn to have an analysis of the data collected," he said at a press conference. "[It] will allow us to understand which tools to implement for the defense and protection of Venice."
After years of discussion, Venice implemented a tourist tax during a 29-day trial starting in April. Though the program didn't curb overtourism in the ways it was initially intended to, it generated a welcome additional source of income for the city, which officials are hoping will be used for Venice's continued maintenance and preservation.
Analysis will continue over the coming months, but travelers should expect the tourist tax to continue in 2025 — and for the fee to possibly increase.
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