From 25 April 2024, Venice will welcome visitors with a new arrival: the entrance ticket. An imposition not only to preserve its delicate structures, but also to calm the rush of hit-and-run tourism that threatens to suffocate the lagoon city. This initiative, proposed by the lagoon municipality, comes after much controversy and anticipation, ready to debut on the occasion of the spring long weekends, days of greatest attendance.
The entrance fee to the Pantheon in Rome, also introduced to support the conservation of cultural heritage, will impact visitors with a fee of 5 euros. However, the expense will be mitigated by a series of exemptions and reductions, guaranteeing free access to residents, young people and specific categories, while the proceeds will be allocated to various entities, including the Ministry of Culture, the Diocese of Rome and the Municipality.
But not only Venice and Rome they work to preserve their identity and mitigate the tourism impact. Even the Five lands adopt drastic measures: the doubling of the price of train tickets, negotiated between the region and Trenitalia, aims to slow down the influx of visitors. While on the one hand there is hope of preserving the natural beauty and social fabric of these places, on the other hand a series of protests are sparked due to the additional cost that burdens travellers.
In an age where mass tourism can be a blessing or a curse for destinations, the introduction of entry fees and additional fees raises crucial questions about the balance between preservation and accessibility. The challenge lies in finding a compromise that protects cultural and natural heritage, without excluding those who wish to explore and enjoy these wonders.
The introduction of the entrance ticket to Venice has received strong support from the Scientific Technical Committee of the Consumerism Association.
The Consumerism Committee, made up of experts in various sectors, lawyers, teachers, professionals, it is always active in consumer protection, and is in favor of similar measures in tourist destinations afflicted by overtourism, such as some beaches in the Sardinia and the Cinque Terre. The example of Cala Luna, which has adopted an entrance fee system, demonstrates that this practice can be effective in managing tourist influx and preserving local resources.
The recent demonstration by residents at Canary Islands against overtourism highlighted the exasperation of local communities in the face of excessive tourist influx. This phenomenon is fueled by the ever-increasing accessibility of travel, thanks to low-cost flights and the spread of social media which makes even the most remote places go viral.
However, the introduction of entry taxes should not be limited to being a mere source of income, but rather should be used to improve services and protect places. It is essential that the proceeds from these measures are reinvested in environmental conservation, improving tourism infrastructure and supporting local communities.
The use of entry fees as a tool to manage tourist influx and protect vulnerable destinations is a solution that deserves to be explored and implemented in a thoughtful and responsible manner, always keeping in mind the balance between preservation and accessibility.
