Venice is going to charge day visitors a tax of up to EUR 10 each in a move approved by Italy's government.
The new measure, that will bring in tens of millions per year in revenue to the World Heritage port city, was contained in the 2019 budget of the country, which was passed at the weekend following months of wrangling with Brussels.
Locals have long complained that cruise ship passengers and day-trippers enjoy all that the city has to offer without making an economic contribution. Of the 24 million visitors each year, 15M are day-trippers.
Those who bring their own food don't even spend money in cafes, bars, and restaurants but will now be hit with the charge that is likely to be included in the cost of travelers' train, bus or cruise ship ticket and passed on to authorities.
The tax will range from EUR 2.50 to EUR 10 per person, depending on whether tourists arrive in low or high season.
The council now has a couple of months to discuss how to implement the new tax.