It was the mayor of Como himself, interviewed by the English The Times, who made some concrete considerations on the possibility of introducing, as in Venice, a tourist tax to avoid overcrowding. The same Times journalist James Iman had titled the article “Lake Como mayor plans Venice-style tourist tax”. Rapinese’s analysis, made up of concrete numbers, makes it clear that the tourist tax is no longer just a far-fetched idea but something that could soon arrive, at least in Como.
Meanwhile in Venice this is now a reality and on the first day, according to calculations, the city would have collected a good 78 thousand euros. There were 113 thousand online requests but only 15,700 actually paid the 5 euro ticket: 40 thousand were in hotels (therefore already paying the tourist tax), then there are relatives of those who live in Venice and also the owners of second homes. Students on trips (13 thousand) and workers are also exempt. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro declared himself satisfied even if there was not the “emptying” effect that many hoped for.
The revolutionary measure in Venice was introduced from 25 April, and for 29 days this year (from 8.30am to 4pm), it will force you to pay 5 euros to visit the city on the same day, barring exemptions (residents in Veneto, workers, students, relatives and others: here is the complete list).
