MADRID, 25 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) -
Venice has begun to charge a fee of 5 euros to tourists to access its historic center from this Thursday, April 25, as a measure in its particular fight against mass tourism, as reported by the City Council.
Specifically, the rate begins to be applied in a first block from today until May 5, and then continues with its implementation on Saturdays and Sundays in May, June and July until the 14th of the seventh month.
To obtain the QR access code it is necessary to register on the corresponding platform enabled for this purpose, which is already available, while payment is only enabled for the hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The contribution is included only in the area called Ciudad Antigua on the defined days and times. On the contrary, it is not paid for those who pass through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto or the Maritime Station, without accessing the Ancient City and for those who must reach the San Giobbe pier if they pass from Piazzaleque other places such as Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto or the Maritime Station .
Likewise, by 2024 the payment will not be charged at the accesses to the smaller islands, including Lido di Venezia (Alberoni and Malamocco), Pellestrina, Murano, Burano, Torcello, Sant'Erasmo, Mazzorbo, Mazzorbetto, Vignole, S. Andrea, the Certosa, San Servolo, S. Clemente, Poveglia.
Among those exempt from payment are those born and resident in Venice, children under 14 years of age, and police and armed forces personnel. For their part, workers, students and family members will not pay but must request an exemption.
Last January, the Venice City Council announced its decision to reduce the number of people in groups accompanied by tour guides to 25 members, that is, half of the passengers of a tourist bus, for the visit to the historic center of the city. and to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, according to a press release.
In addition, tourism professionals will be prohibited from using loudspeakers that may cause "confusion and annoyance." The occupation of narrow streets, bridges or passageways will also be sanctioned.
The measures, which will have to go through the City Council, once approved, will come into force on June 1, 2024.
