tourism statistics in venice

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›
• Leisure Travel

Tourism in Venice - statistics & facts

What are the leading travel markets in venice, tourist accommodation in venice, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Number of tourist arrivals in Venice 2003-2022

Number of tourist overnight stays in Venice 2003-2022

Cruise passenger movements at the port of Venice in Italy 2012-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Destinations

Number of international tourist arrivals in Venice 2011-2022

Leading inbound travel markets in Venice 2019-2022, by number of arrivals

Related topics

City tourism in europe.

• Tourism in Italian cities
• Tourism in Rome
• Tourism in London
• Tourism in Paris
• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Travel and tourism in Italy
• Travel and tourism in France
• Travel and tourism in Spain

Recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Monthly number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Monthly tourism balance in Italy 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Most visited Italian municipalities 2019-2022, by overnight stays
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist arrivals in Venice 2003-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Cruise passenger movements at the port of Venice in Italy 2012-2022

Monthly number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2018-2023

Number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from January 2018 to May 2023 (in 1,000s)

Monthly tourism balance in Italy 2019-2023

Monthly tourism balance in Italy from January 2019 to May 2023 (in million euros)

Most visited Italian municipalities 2019-2022, by overnight stays

Municipalities with the highest number of tourist overnight stays in Italy from 2019 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy from 2003 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Share of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy 2011-2022

Distribution of international and domestic tourist arrivals in travel accommodation establishments in Venice, Italy from 2011 to 2022

Number of cruise passenger movements at the port of Venice, Italy from 2012 to 2022

International tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in Venice 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in Venice 2019-2022, by number of arrivals
• Premium Statistic Number of international overnight stays in Venice 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in Venice 2019-2022, by overnight stays

Number of international tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy from 2011 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Leading international travel markets in Venice, Italy from 2019 to 2022, by number of arrivals (in 1,000s)

Number of international overnight stays in Venice 2013-2022

Number of international overnight stays in Venice, Italy from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Leading inbound travel markets in Venice 2019-2022, by overnight stays

Leading international travel markets in Venice, Italy from 2019 to 2022, by number of overnight stays (in 1,000s)

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourist arrivals in Venice 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy 2019-2022, by region
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight stays in Venice 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight stays in Venice 2019-2022, by region

Number of domestic tourist arrivals in Venice 2012-2022

Number of domestic tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy from 2012 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Domestic tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy 2019-2022, by region

Number of domestic tourist arrivals in Venice, Italy from 2019 to 2022, by region

Number of domestic overnight stays in Venice 2013-2022

Number of domestic overnight stays in Venice, Italy from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Domestic overnight stays in Venice 2019-2022, by region

Number of domestic overnight stays in Venice, Italy from 2019 to 2022, by region

• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Venice 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels and accommodation establishments in Venice's city center 2018-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of chain hotels in Venice 2014-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel beds in Venice 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Most expensive cities for average price in four-star hotels in Italy 2023
• Premium Statistic Italian cities with the highest occupancy rate in four-star hotels 2023

Number of hotels in Venice 2012-2022

Number of hotel establishments in Venice, Italy from 2012 to 2022

Number of hotels and accommodation establishments in Venice's city center 2018-2022

Number of hotels and other travel accommodation establishments in the city center of Venice, Italy from 2018 to 2022

Number of chain hotels in Venice 2014-2022

Number of chain hotels in Venice, Italy from 2014 to 2022

Number of hotel beds in Venice 2012-2022

Number of beds in hotels of Venice, Italy from 2012 to 2022

Most expensive cities for average price in four-star hotels in Italy 2023

Most expensive cities for average price per night in four-star hotels in Italy as of December 2023 (in euros)

Italian cities with the highest occupancy rate in four-star hotels 2023

Leading cities for average occupancy rate in four-star hotels in Italy in 2023

Non-hotel accommodation

• Premium Statistic Non-hotel accommodation establishments in Venice 2012-2022
• Basic Statistic Non-hotel accommodation establishments in Venice 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Number of Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy 2023, by room type
• Basic Statistic Share of Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy 2023, by room type
• Basic Statistic Average price per night of accommodation on Airbnb in selected Italian cities 2023

Non-hotel accommodation establishments in Venice 2012-2022

Number of non-hotel accommodation establishments in Venice, Italy from 2012 to 2022

Non-hotel accommodation establishments in Venice 2019-2022, by type

Number of non-hotel accommodation establishments in Venice, Italy from 2019 to 2022, by type

Number of Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy 2023, by room type

Number of Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy as of December 2023, by room type

Share of Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy 2023, by room type

Distribution of Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy as of December 2023, by room type

Average price per night of accommodation on Airbnb in selected Italian cities 2023

Average price per night of accommodation establishments listed on Airbnb in selected Italian cities as of December 2023 (in euros)

• Basic Statistic State museums, monuments, and archeological areas in Veneto, Italy 2022, by province
• Basic Statistic Attendance to state museums in Veneto, Italy 2022, by province
• Basic Statistic Income of state museums in Veneto, Italy 2019-2022, by province
• Basic Statistic Attendance at the Biennale Architecture Exhibition in Venice 2016-2023
• Basic Statistic Attendance at the Biennale International Art Exhibition in Venice 2015-2022

State museums, monuments, and archeological areas in Veneto, Italy 2022, by province

Number of state museums, monuments, and archaeological areas with paid and free admission in Veneto, Italy in 2022, by province

Attendance to state museums in Veneto, Italy 2022, by province

Number of visitors to state museums, monuments, and archaeological areas with paid and free admission in Veneto, Italy in 2022, by province

Income of state museums in Veneto, Italy 2019-2022, by province

Income of state museums, monuments, and archaeological areas in Veneto, Italy from 2019 to 2022, by province (in euros)

Attendance at the Biennale Architecture Exhibition in Venice 2016-2023

Number of visitors to the Biennale International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, Italy from 2016 to 2023

Attendance at the Biennale International Art Exhibition in Venice 2015-2022

Number of visitors to the Biennale International Art Exhibition in Venice, Italy from 2015 to 2022

Casinò di Venezia

• Premium Statistic Revenue of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Net income of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Employees of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy 2021-2022, by segment

Revenue of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy 2015-2022

Total revenue of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in 1,000 euros)

Net income of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy 2015-2022

Net income of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in 1,000 euros)

Employees of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy 2021-2022, by segment

Number of employees of the Casinò di Venezia in Italy in 2021 and 2022, by segment

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

What are you looking for?

55+ venice travel & tourism statistics [fresh for 2024].

Nicknamed the City of Canals, the picturesque terrain and architecture of Venice are reason enough for the city’s popularity among tourists.

There are many awesome things about it, from the scenic gondola rides and historic bridges to festive carnivals.

But did you know that there were 5.5 million total arrivals in Venice in 2019 ?

However, Venice is also suffering from overtourism as its population plummets and water level rises.

Are you looking to understand more about this beautiful Italian city?

Take a look at these statistics below about Venice travel and tourism.

Let’s dive right in!

Sources : I’ve attached the source article or data under each statistics. Feel free to head over to the end of this article for a full list of all the sources used.

Travellerspoint

How many tourists visit Venice each year?

Before the pandemic, in 2019 specifically, there were a total of 4.8 million international tourist arrivals in Venice.

How much of Venice's economy is tourism?

It is estimated that tourism contributes to 2.3 billion euros for Venice’s economy.

Is Venice one of the most visited cities?

In 2021, Venice was the second most visited municipality in Italy at approximately 5.7 million overnight stays, after Rome.

Who visits Venice the most?

Tourists from Europe make up 39.3% of all tourist arrivals in Venice. Meanwhile, the USA contributed 844 thousand arrivals, or 15.3% of the overall figure in 2019.

Venice Travel Statistics Overview

• There were 1.4 million international tourist arrivals in Venice in 2021, increasing from 0.92 million in 2020.
• Overall, the combined domestic and international tourist arrivals in Venice were 2.1 million in 2021, still well below the peak of 5.5 million in 2019.
• A 2015 student paper states that Venice spends 74.4 million euros on its tourism industry per year. In exchange, it generates around 2.3 billion euros in revenue.
• There are 1,126 hotels in Venice as of 2021, a slight decrease from the 1,187 establishments recorded in 2020.
• Venice is the city with the third highest number of chain hotels in Italy, after Rome and Milan.
• There are a total of 7,275 Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy in December 2022.
• During peak season, there can be up to 110,000 tourists visiting historical Venice per day, far exceeding the mere 55,000 residents living there.
• Based on occupancy, the busiest month for international visitors in Venice is July (1,275,129 nights in 2019), while the least busy month is January (456,457 nights).
• Overall, in 2017, planes made up the majority (53%) of all arrivals in Venice.
•  In 2021, cultural institutions in Venice welcome approximately 421 thousand visitors.

Inbound tourism in Venice

1. there were 1.4 million international tourist arrivals in venice in 2021, increasing from 0.92 million in 2020., 2. however, international tourist arrivals in venice have yet to recover to the pre-pandemic level of 4.8 million in 2019..

Although tourism in Venice is quickly recovering, international arrivals have yet to regain its level at 4.8 million, as before the pandemic .

3. Overall, the combined domestic and international tourist arrivals in Venice were 2.1 million in 2021, still well below the peak of 5.5 million in 2019.

4. In 2021, Venice was the second most visited municipality in Italy at approximately 5.7 million overnight stays.

Venice is second in ranking only to Rome, which saw nearly 9 million overnight stays in 2021 .

5. The number has increased by 58% from the 3.56 million overnight stays in 2020, but still well below the 12.9 million in 2019.

Although Venice is seeing a steady recovery from the pandemic, with a 58% increase in number of overnight stays from 2020, it has still yet to regain its pre-Covid-19 levels.

6. Out of the total number of overnight stays in Venice in 2021, 3.8 million were made by international visitors.

Venice tourism demographic, 7. according to the city of venice’s 2019 yearbook of tourism, excluding italy, europe represents the largest slice of tourist arrivals (39.3%)..

[City of Venice]

Tourists from Europe make up 39.3% of all tourist arrivals in Venice.

8. In 2021, the highest number of international tourists in Venice is from Germany, with 271 thousand arrivals in 2021 alone.

9. in 2021, german travellers recorded a total of 711 thousand overnight stays in venice., 10. meanwhile, tourist arrivals in venice from the us tripled in 2021, but it’s only 18% of the total arrivals from america recorded in 2019..

Overnight stays by American tourists in Venice also tripled over 2021 , but the volume still accounts for merely 20% of the total in 2019.

11. But looking at the 2019 data before COVID-19, the USA contributed 844 thousand arrivals, or 15.3% of the overall figure.

12. the second place goes to the uk, with 387 thousand tourist arrivals..

Tourists from the UK contribute to 7% of all overseas arrivals in Venice.

13. Meanwhile, France offers the third largest tourist market for Venice, with 357 thousand arrivals or 6.5% of the total number in 2019.

In 2019, there were approximately 357,000 tourist arrivals from France in Venice.

14. Most visitors to Venice travel with family, as are 78% of cases.

This indicates that Venice is a popular destination to travel with families (78%) , whether that is a spouse, kids, or extended family member.

Domestic tourism in Venice

How is the domestic tourism in Venice?

15. The number of domestic tourist arrivals in Venice was 730 thousand in 2021.

This has risen by 75% from the 416 thousand domestic arrivals in 2020.

16. The leading domestic tourist market for Venice is Lombardy, with a total of 167 thousand arrivals recorded in 2021.

Impressively, this figure actually surpassed the pre-pandemic levels.

17. Visitors from Lombardy recorded 376 thousand overnight stays in 2021, also the most out of all other regions in Italy.

18. in 2021, there were roughly 1.9 million overnight stays in venice by italian visitors, up from 1.1 million in 2020 and almost catching up to its 2019 figure..

Overall, domestic tourism in Venice is recovering much faster than international tourism. Perhaps this is because domestic travel is still much easier in the post-pandemic era.

19. In 2021, inbound tourist arrivals in Venice travel accommodation establishments made up 58% of the city’s tourists. This is lower than the 77% proportion back in 2019.

This means that, as of 2021, domestic tourists account for 42% of all tourist arrivals in Venice.

Contribution of tourism to Venice economy

20. a 2015 student paper states that venice spends 74.4 million euros on its tourism industry per year. in exchange, it generates around 2.3 billion euros in revenue., 21. there are more than 400 400 gondoliers in venice. the job is some of the most well-paid ones in the city, with an annual salary of up to £95,000..

[The Independent]

22. Casinò di Venezia made a revenue of 50.4 million euros in 2021, an cinrease from 42.3 million euros in 2020 but still well below the pre-pandemic revenue of 82 million euros in 2019.

The Casinò di Venezia is one of the only three casinos in Italy as of 2020.

23. Meanwhile, the casino's net income was almost 205 thousand euros in 2021.

Once again, this is a rise from its 50 thousand euros net income in 2020.

24. State museums in Venice made 1.5 million euros in income in 2021, higher than the 972 thousand euros earned in 2020 but still lower than the 2019 figure of over 3.24 million.

Hotels in venice statistics.

How many hotel are in Venice?

25. There are 1,126 hotels in Venice as of 2021, a slight decrease from the 1,187 establishments recorded in 2020.

26. in 2021, specifically in venice’s city center, there were 523 travel accommodations in total, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other alternative establishments..

Again, this is a slight drop from the 570 recorded properties in 2020.

27. The number of hotel beds in Venice has also decreased to just 97 thousand in 2021, the lowest since 2016 and the biggest decline over the last ten years.

28. although hotels in venice has overall decreased between 2020 and 2021, the number of chain hotels has increased, from 63 to 73..

This suggests that the decline in number of hotels in Venice are mostly independent hotels, and not chain hotels.

29. Venice is also the city with the third highest number of chain hotels in Italy, after Rome and Milan.

30. as of november 2022, the most expensive city to stay in a four-star hotel was venice, at 169.5 euros per night..

Venice is followed by Turin, where it costs an average of 163 euros to stay overnight in a four-star hotel .

Non-hotel accommodation in Venice

How many Airbnb listings are in Venice?

31. There are a total of 7,275 Airbnb listings in Venice, Italy in December 2022.

Overall, there were 7,275 Airbnb listings in Venice as of December 2022.

32. Most Airbnb listings in Venice are entire homes or apartments, with around 5,650 such properties.

33. in fact, entire homes and apartments make up 77% of all airbnb listings in venice., 34. meanwhile, there are only 17 shared rooms in venice’s airbnb listings..

Although there are just 17 shared rooms on Airbnb in Venice, these offer the perfect option for backpackers to minimize budget and meet new people .

35. On average, accommodation establishments in Venice on Airbnb cost 184 euros per night.

36. There were 32,000 non-hotel accommodations recorded in Venice in 2021.

This is a decline from the 35,000 non-hotel establishments in Venice in 2020 and the peak of 40.7 thousand back in 2018.

Venice overtourism statistics

How does Venice deal with overtourism?

37. During peak season, there can be up to 110,000 tourists visiting historical Venice per day, far exceeding the mere 55,000 residents living there.

38. this is worrying because the local population just 30 years ago had been over 120 thousand. demographers predict that the figure could fall to zero by 2030..

The declining population in Venice is mostly due to the surging living cost and prices.

39. Overnight tourists to the historic centre of Venice have to pay up to €5 in city tax per night. However, this is already included in the accommodation nightly rate.

40. meanwhile, as of january 2023, daytrippers to venice are expected to pay between €3 and €10 to enter the historical centre as a way to combat overtourism..

Residents, students and commuters are exempt to the Venice tourist tax.

41. As of March 2023, there are 2,815 properties listed on Booking.com located in Venice.

[Booking.com]

Booking.com is one of the largest online platforms to book travel accommodations and it has 2,815 total listings in Venice .

Venice travel trends and insights

When do tourists usually visit Venice?

42. Based on occupancy, the busiest month for international visitors in Venice is July (1,275,129 nights in 2019), while the least busy month is January (456,457 nights).

43. The trend is slightly different for domestic tourists from Italy, with the busiest and least busy months being April (189,376 nights) and January (128,711 nights) respectively.

44. in 2019, there were 14.8 million recorded passenger movements by air, which includes both arrivals and departures..

[EuropeForVisitors]

Passenger movements also include everything from tourists and residents to business travellers .

45. Of those, 11.6 million used Venice Marco Polo Airport while the other 3.2 million used Treviso Airport.

46. Water transportation is also popular in Venice, with 1.8 million total of passenger traffic through the Port of Venice in 2019.

47. this includes 1.6 million by ocean cruises, 101,708 by ferries, 93, 858 by hydrofoil, and 15,796 by river cruises..

48. Overall, in 2017, planes made up the majority (53%) of all arrivals in Venice.

49. train comprises 27% of all arrivals, which makes sense considering the popularity of rail travel in europe., 50. meanwhile, 16% of arrivals in venice in 2017 was made by cars and motorcycles..

51. More than 9 in 10 respondents in a survey (94%) by the City of Venice claimed that they intended to return.

Tourism activities in venice.

What is the most visited place in Venice?

52. There are 10 state museums, monuments, and archeological sites in Venice that have paying entrances, the most within the region of Veneto.

53. in 2021, those cultural institutions in venice welcome approximately 421 thousand visitors..

This is massive compared to the second province in Veneto with the highest attendance, with only 5,288 visitors in Padua’s museums, monuments, and sites.

54. As of 2021, there were around 1,900 bars and restaurants in Venice.

55. cruise passenger movements in venice almost hit 30,000 in 2021, much higher than the previous year but still accounting for 2% of the 2019 figure., 56. most tourists to venice would stay in the historic center, with 3.5 million guests recorded in 2019, each staying an average of 2.51 nights..

For so long, Venice has been one of the hottest destinations worldwide.

If you’re a solo traveller planning your next epic Italian trip, Venice is a must on your itinerary.

Even if you’re just looking to understand more about Venice’s tourism, hopefully you found these statistics useful.

looking for the next place to work from or simply want to understand more about Rome, we hope these statistics are helpful.

Let us know in the comments if we missed any interesting facts about Rome’s travel industry!

In the meantime, you might enjoy these other stats:

• Millennial Travel Statistics
• Baby Boomer Travel Statistics
• Pet Travel Statistics
• The Independent
• City of Venice
• Booking.com
• EuropeForVisitors

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Europe Chevron

Italy Chevron

Venice Chevron

How Venice Is Retackling Overtourism After a Year Without Visitors

By Jackie Caradonio

In May, at the opening of the rescheduled Venice Biennale of Architecture—pandemic edition—banners hung from every doorway in the Arsenal emblazoned with the question “How will we live together?,” the theme of this year's show. As I explored photographer Marco Cappelletti's hauntingly beautiful City to Dust, a collection of images depicting an empty Palazzo San Marco and a shuttered Rialto Bridge, every step I took made an unsettling crunch. The floor was constructed of terrazzo tiles in the shape of Venice , suggesting the damage crowds do to the city. “Because the tourists trample her soul...” the narrator of an accompanying video stated grimly. “Every single step is, for every single visitor, a physical confrontation with his or her potentially harmful impact on the environment.”

Bemoaning the perils of Venice—the cruise ships and dwindling population; the fact that it's more a theme park than a place where people live and thrive; and, don't forget, it's sinking!—is nothing new. Observers have lamented the city's overexposure since at least 1909, when Henry James wrote in Italian Hours, “The Venice of today is a vast museum...and you march through the institution with a herd of fellow-gazers. There is nothing left to discover or describe....” But this was hardly the Venice I encountered when my architect-husband, John, and I arrived a few weeks before the Biennale—when tourism was still banned in Italy —to build an installation for the exhibition. What we found was a city grappling with how to move forward with the world paused.

All those quiet days and empty streets gave Venetians precious time to ponder real-life solutions to their overtourism problem. The government has attempted for years to alleviate the issue, passing measures from installing turnstiles to keep a head count to taxing day-trippers , but some of the biggest initiatives in decades gained traction while the city was in lockdown. In March, the government decreed that it would ban cruise ships weighing more than 40,000 tons from the Venetian lagoon. That same month, the mayors of Venice and Florence teamed up on a manifesto demanding that the Italian government impose tighter restrictions on the thousands of short-term rentals contributing to the cities' housing crisis. And following pressure from local activist groups, Venice mayor Luigi Brugnero recently announced his administration is working on a booking system that will establish quotas on tourist access to the city's historical center.

Piazza San Marco, on a morning during lockdown

“It feels a bit like the beginning of a new era,” says Valeria Duflot, cofounder of the Venice-based think tank Overtourism Solution. “The crisis catapulted tourism to the top of the political agenda, providing a historic opportunity to transform the industry at the root.” For Venice, that transformation will come when the old extractive tourism model—in which travelers focus solely on what they can take away from a destination—is replaced with a regenerative model that also helps sustain local communities. Duflot is helping to nudge that shift through her website Venezia Autentica , which provides a veritable how-to guide to conscientious tourism, listing locally owned businesses and certified tour guides, and suggesting itineraries that take travelers off the beaten track by showcasing places like the neoclassical Museo Correr and artisan workshops making authentic Carnival masks. “The return of tourism at the level it used to be is expected for 2024,” Duflot says, “and we aim by then to have created a dynamic of transformation that renders going back to the old normal obsolete.”

The great COVID-19 reset also underpinned the need not just for fewer tourists but for more Venetians. “The pandemic made absolutely clear the total dependence on tourism to survive,” says Fabio Carrera, a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute Massachusetts, who teaches part-time in Venice and for 30 years has studied solutions to improve local life through his WPI Venice Project Center. “The real problem is not tourism—it's that there are no alternatives to tourism.” At least half the working population is in travel, giving the industry outsize power over everything from the types of businesses that survive (souvenir shops, not grocery stores) to the funding of public transportation (which runs more regularly to tourist locales). Carrera argues that developing tech and other entrepreneurial industries independent of tourism will create a more livable Venice—and a more attractive home base for new residents. To that end, this fall, his incubator on the island of Giudecca, across from San Marco, will launch a new partnership with MIT that aims to help Venetian start-ups get off the ground.

Of course, Venice can't be fixed overnight. Both Carrera and Duflot say their missions are focused on the long term. “It's going to take 10, 20, maybe 30 years to get where we want to be,” Carrera says. This became especially obvious on June 3, when the first cruise ship in more than a year sailed past Piazza San Marco. Soon after, in response to UNESCO advisers' recommendation that the organization list Venice as an endangered site, the Italian government said it would begin enforcing its ban on August 1, also lowering the weight limit to 25,000 tons.

On our last night in Venice, the city was quiet, save for a few Biennale-goers, as John and I sat at our usual table at La Zucca, a neighborhood spot that seemed to draw enough locals to remain busy even without tourists. I watched an older couple to my left order without looking at the menu. But it was the table of four to my right that was interested in us. When we told them we were American, their disappointment was palpable. I knew they'd already begun to miss their hushed little city.

I wanted to tell them that over the past three weeks, John and I had slowly soaked in Venice rather than gulping it all up in a day like most tourists. We'd become regulars at restaurants owned by locals and skipped many of the standard attractions for visits to family-run squeri, or boatyards on the lagoon. Instead, though, I just raised my glass.

“To Venice!” I said earnestly.

“To Venice,” they echoed back.

This article appeared in the September/October 2021 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Hotels & Accommodation
• Travel Agencies & Travel Booking Websites
• Car rental & Parking
• Bus, train and transfer
• Experiences & activities
• Entertainment (Books, games, fun etc.)
• Equipment, travel gadgets and other
• Exclusive travel discounts

50+ Venice Tourism Statistics, Numbers and Trends

Updated on November 30, 2022 by Axel Hernborg

Venice, Italy is a historic city that is a particularly popular tourist destination. This is an enchanting, dreamy, and romantic city, with an undercurrent of mystery and drama. The economy of Venice like the economies of other European cities such as Barcelona, Prague, and others also grew to rely heavily on tourism. Now the city is exposed to the side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic because the pandemic crushed the tourism industry in Venice and other over-touristed cities. But the city sees this as an opportunity to rethink a “tourism monoculture.”

There’s a new feeling and perception many residents and local travel operators are sharing. This Covid-19 crisis has created an opportunity to make future travel more sustainable. Travel and tourism authorities and other associated people such as holidaymakers, investors, and other people involved in the tourism industry management are thinking about how to make tourism less taxing and more beneficial to urban infrastructure and for its local inhabitants. For Venice, it is a precious occasion to rethink tourism.

Table of contents

• 1 Covid-19 and Tourism Industry of Venice
• 2 Pre and Post Pandemic Trends
• 3 Contribution of Venice Tourism
• 4 Tourism Industry Insight
• 5 Useful Trends and Statistics for tourists
• 6 Other Tourism Trends
• 7 References

Covid-19 and Tourism Industry of Venice

Venice is relaxed and unique in times of Covid-19. After relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions, tourists returned to Venice, but far fewer than in recent years before the pandemic. In 2020’s coronavirus pandemic summer, the city sorely missed its visitors. But the city was more concerned about the safety standards and restrictions of Covid-19, that’s why the city restricted international visitors to overcome the spread of Coronavirus. In 2020, tourists from the US and China were not allowed to enter the country (Italy). But many Italians came to the lagoon city for a short vacation.

Pre and Post Pandemic Trends

• The Italian authorities have decided to impose certain limitations to decrease the large number of tourists visiting Venice every day. 
• It has been revealed in 2022 that all those visitors who wish to visit Venice will be required to book a ticket online.
• The ticket price will be €5 and will be valid for one day only. In this way, Venice is intended to reduce the number of tourists.
• According to the deputy mayor for social welfare, tourism, and economic development in the city of Venice, Simone Venturini, by imposing limitations, the aim is to discourage one-day tourism and at the same time encourage slower tourism. 
• The authorities have set such a short validity on the tickets in order to reduce the number of visitors since Venice is considered a vulnerable place.
• In recent years, along with a yearly staggering increase in the number of visitors to the city of Venice, the way of visiting the city has changed.
• Many tourists now come to Venice on a day/hour trip, as part of a cruise.
• Social, logistic, economic, and touristic aspects of the city are dramatically modified. 
• Venice’s local authorities have also closed the main access to the historical centres as well as equipped the city with 500 cameras , which will be used to monitor the movement of visitors.

Contribution of Venice Tourism

• The Venice tourism industry is booming for the past decades with the help of the ever-increasing offering of low-cost travel transportation, housing, and planning in the city. 
• In 2019 Venice generated tourism revenue of  1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion) , with 30% from day-trippers.
• The year 2019 alone counted over 1.5 billion international arrivals.
• The number of international tourist arrivals in La Serenissima – as the city is nicknamed – increased in 2021 over the previous year, after declining sharply in 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 
• Overall, inbound tourist arrivals in Venice totaled nearly 1.4 million in 2021 , rising from 922 thousand in 2020 but remaining below the peak of 4.8 million inbound arrivals recorded in 2019.
• International tourism is a very important resource for the city’s tourism sector, as inbound travelers account for most of the total tourist arrivals in Venice. 
• The United States was the leading international tourist market in Venice in 2019. 
• During the health crisis, Germany emerged as the new leading inbound market in 2020 and 2021.
• In 2021, arrivals by German travelers totaled 271 thousand, rising from 184 thousand in 2020 and almost catching up with pre-pandemic levels. 
• Arrivals from the United States roughly tripled in 2021, they only accounted for around 18 percent of the figure recorded in 2019.
• In 2021, the number of domestic travelers in Venice also increased, and the highest number of domestic visitors came from the neighboring region of Lombardy . 
• In 2021 domestic tourist arrivals from Lombardy added up to 167 thousand , even surpassing the figure reported in 2019.
• In 2014, the revenue per available room (RevPAR) of hotels in Venice amounted to 206.5 euros and in 2019, it rose to 226.5 euros.  
• In 2014, the ADR of hotels in Venice city amounted to roughly 305 euros whereas, in 2019, the ADR peaked at 347.3 euros .

Tourism Industry Insight

• Tourism is the economic pillar of Venice. 
• 14 million visitors come to the lagoon city of Venice each year, 
• Venice is the most visited city in Italy after Rome.
• About 4 million visitors stay overnight in the city. 
• Some  10 million visitors are day visitors who often don’t spend a whole lot of money in the city and who merely visit the  Piazza San Marco  and its  Basilica .
• Boosted by tourism, the arts and crafts flourish in Venice,  Burano ,  Murano , and the surrounding islands. 
• Souvenirs are willingly bought and are available at all levels of price and quality.

Useful Trends and Statistics for tourists

• December is a wonderful month to visit Venice because crowds are about half as compared to summer, and decorations add to the holiday atmosphere.
• Month-by-month breakdown of tourist nights or “occupancies is January (585,168), February (709,285), March (926,135), April (1,168,451), May (1,242,135), June (1,329,515), July (1,417,224), August (1,447,038), September (1,384,529), October (1,349,695), November (779,296), and December (610,048). 
• The busiest and least busy months for international visitors are August and January while the busiest and least busy months for Italian tourists are April and January.
• The overnight stays by foreigners build steadily from spring until late summer and drop off gradually in September and October . 
• Italian tourist occupancies peak in April and fall sharply in May .
• Modes of transportation of visitors to Venice are approximately was this, 53% of arrivals were via plane, 27% via train, 16% via Car/Motorcycle, 2% by bus, 1 % by Cruise ship, 1% by Motor vessel from seaside towns and 1% used some other mode of transportation. 
•  Foreigners represent 86.5% of tourist arrivals , compared to 13.5% for Italians .
• Of the visitors who stayed in Venice during 2019, 3,768,000 chose  hotels or B&Bs  and 1,756,000 stayed in  other accommodations  such as vacation apartments, hostels, religious guesthouses, and campgrounds.
• According to the VeneziaUnica online survey of visitors in 2017, overnight visitors’ spending was recorded, 2% of visitors spend less than € 25, 14% spend €25 – 50, 33% spend €51-100, 33% spend €101-200, and 17% spend more than € 200.  
• Day visitors  are also known as daytrippers’ spending was comparatively and obviously was less. 
• In 2017, tourists’ satisfaction level was observed on a scale of 1 to 5 from “very bad” to “excellent”, and 65% of tourists were completely satisfied with their visit with a score of 5 . 
• Visitors’ intention to return to Venice for a visit again was recorded, 94% said “yes ”.
• In Venice, tourist accommodations are composed of one to six rooms , each one with a maximum of four beds.  

Other Tourism Trends

• Fishing tourism , combined with tourist fishing- is the most authentic way to know, learn, and love the culture of Venice, the sea, and the fishing , and personally discover the fascination of an ancient profession.
• In fishing tourism , visitors go out with the fishermen, listen to their stories, watch them while they haul in their nets and collect the “catch” and enjoy this experience. 
• The Sustainable Tourism team  has drawn up four cultural itineraries  for 2022, perfect for getting off the beaten track when exploring the  historic city . 
• These four itineraries are “Monumental churches, synagogues, and scuole grandi: a multicultural walk in Cannaregio”, “Dorsoduro, the art district: from Venetian origins to international contemporary art”, “Beauty mirrored in the water: discovering Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore”, and “Naval art, craftsmanship and popular traditions: Venice’s Castello district.”
• “Itineraries without barriers” are  itineraries designed for wheelchair users visiting Venice . 
• Venice is a great place with many traditional flavours, visitors love to taste the flavours and recognize the aromas of its cooking and experience the  typical traditional dishes of the lagoon .
• Visitors love to visit the Venice North Lagoon on Foot or by Boat around the North Lagoon territory , away from the usual tourist routes.
• Sant’Erasmo island  is the biggest island in the North lagoon, a vegetable garden since “ Serenissima ” times, to be seen on foot or by bike.
• Rolling Venice is a discount card for young people between 6 and 29 years of age who want to move freely to Venice. They can also get special benefits on public transport . 
• Venice offers Wheelchair rental service for tourists with physical disabilities who would like to visit Venice using a light wheelchair.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/02/travel/venice-coronavirus-tourism.html

https://www.dw.com/en/venice-in-times-of-coronavirus-relaxed-and-unique/a-54772091

https://veneziaautentica.com/impact-tourism-venice/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/732572/international-tourist-arrivals-in-venice-italy/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1121100/revenue-per-available-room-revpar-of-hotels-in-venice/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1121069/average-daily-rate-adr-of-hotels-in-venice/

https://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice-tourism-statistics.htm

https://www.comune.venezia.it/sites/comune.venezia.it/files/immagini/Turismo/Adt19%20ing%20ver%204%201%202021%281%29.pdf

https://www.zainoo.com/en/italy/veneto/venice/economy-politics

https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/fishing-tourism-venetian-lagoon

https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/recommended-itineraries

https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/itineraries-without-barriers

https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/itineraries

https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/rolling-venice

Hello! I am Axel, tripplo.com’s travel savings, deals and discounts expert and founder. I have been in the travel deals and discounts industry for almost a decade now. It’s me who publish and update most of the content and discounts on tripplo.com! I also have a podcast in which I share valuable information about how to get the best travel deals and discounts.

No Comments

Leave comment, or cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Login To Your Account

Register your account, recover your account.

Company information:

Tourism in Venice 

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism in Venice is big business. But why is this industry so important and how should it best be managed? Read on to find out…

The geography of Venice

Tourism in venice, statistics about tourism in venice, the most popular tourism attraction in venice, the most popular types of tourism in venice, the social impacts of tourism in venice, economic impacts of tourism in venice, environmental impacts of tourism venice, faqs about tourism venice, to conclude: tourism in venice.

Venice is located in northeastern Italy, and it is the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and connected by bridges. These islands are situated in a shallow lagoon that is part of the Adriatic Sea, and they are surrounded by a long sandbar called the Lido. The islands that make up Venice are located in the Venetian Lagoon, which is an enclosed bay that is separated from the Adriatic Sea by several sandbars. 

The lagoon is a complex ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine and bird species. The lagoon is also an important source of seafood for the city’s cuisine. 

The city of Venice is characterised by its narrow streets, small squares, and ornate buildings. The architecture of the city is influenced by Gothic and Renaissance styles, and it features many notable landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. 

Venice, often referred to as ‘La Serenissima’ or ‘The Most Serene’, stands as a testament to Italy’s rich history, architectural prowess, and unparalleled romantic allure. Situated in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, this city is renowned for its intricate web of canals, historic landmarks like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, and iconic gondola rides.

Over the past few decades, Venice has experienced an exponential surge in tourism. The allure of its waterways, rich cultural festivals like the Venice Biennale and the Venice Film Festival, have positioned it as one of Europe’s top travel destinations. Additionally, the city’s unique Carnival, celebrated with traditional masks and parades, attracts thousands annually.

However, the city’s popularity is a double-edged sword. The immense influx of tourists, especially during peak seasons, has led to concerns of overtourism. With Venice’s delicate ecosystem and ancient structures, the city faces challenges in accommodating the massive number of visitors without compromising its architectural integrity and environmental balance.

To counteract the strains of overtourism, local authorities have implemented various measures. These include introducing entrance fees for day-trippers, regulating cruise ships, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. The goal is to ensure that Venice remains preserved for future generations while still welcoming tourists to partake in its rich history and culture.

The future of Venice’s tourism industry lies in balancing preservation with promotion, ensuring that the city remains a coveted destination while also prioritising the wellbeing of its residents and its delicate environment.

Now, lets demonstrate how significant tourism in Venice is but highlighting some of the key statistics:

• In 2019, Venice received approximately 25 million visitors, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. 
• Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of Venice, accounting for approximately 11% of the city’s GDP. 
• The majority of visitors to Venice come from Europe, with Italy, Germany, and France being the top three source countries. 
• The busiest time for tourism in Venice is during the summer months of July and August, with visitor numbers peaking during the Venice Film Festival. 
• In recent years, Venice has experienced issues with overtourism, with large crowds causing strain on the city’s infrastructure and environment.
• The tourism industry in Venice supports approximately 70,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
• The average length of stay for visitors to Venice is approximately two to three days.
• The most popular attractions in Venice include St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

• Tourism in Venice generates approximately €2.5 billion in revenue per year.
• In response to concerns about over tourism and environmental sustainability, Venice has implemented measures such as a tourism tax and a ban on large cruise ships entering the city’s historic centre. 

Tourism in Venice is largely popular due to its range of tourist attractions. Here are the major examples:

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco in Italian). This iconic church is located in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), which is also a popular destination in its own right. 

St. Mark’s Basilica is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, with ornate gold mosaics, marble columns, and intricate carvings. 

The basilica is home to many important religious relics, including the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist, which were brought to Venice from Egypt in the 9th century. 

 Visitors to St. Mark’s Basilica can explore the interior of the church, including the main nave, the crypt, and the Treasury. There is also an option to climb to the top of the basilica’s bell tower for panoramic views of the city.

As one of the most famous landmarks in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. It is recommended to book tickets in advance and plan to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

As one of the most famous landmarks in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. 

There are many types of tourism in Venice, here are the most common:

Cultural tourism: Venice is home to a rich cultural heritage, with countless museums, galleries, and historic landmarks to explore. The city’s most famous attraction is St. Mark’s Square, which features St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Romantic tourism: Venice’s picturesque canals, gondola rides, and charming architecture make it a popular destination for couples. Many people visit Venice for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or wedding.

Art tourism: Venice has a long history of art and architecture, with many famous artists and architects having lived and worked in the city. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery are two of the most famous art museums in Venice.

Food and wine tourism: Italy is known for its delicious food and wine, and Venice is no exception. Visitors can sample

Sustainable tourism: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable tourism in Venice. Visitors can explore the city’s eco-friendly initiatives, such as the Venissa Wine Resort, which produces organic wine on the island of Mazzorbo using sustainable farming practices.

The impacts of tourism in Venice need to be managed effectively. Lets take a look at what these impacts are:

Overcrowding: The high number of tourists in Venice can cause overcrowding in popular areas, leading to congestion, long lines, and reduced quality of life for residents.

Social tension: The influx of tourists can create social tension between locals and visitors. Some residents may feel thattheir city is being overrun by tourists, and there have been instances of vandalism and other forms of aggression towards tourists.

Loss of local culture: Tourism can contribute to the erosion of local culture as businesses cater to the preferences of tourists rather than preserving traditional customs and practices.

Economic impacts of tourism in Venice include:

Job creation: Tourism provides employment opportunities for local residents, including jobs in hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Economic benefits: Tourism brings in revenue to the local economy through expenditures on accommodation, food, and souvenirs.

Rising cost of living: The cost of living in Venice has risen due to increased demand for housing and other services by tourists, making it difficult for locals to afford to live in the city.

Now lets take a look at the environmental impacts:

Water Pollution: Venice is surrounded by water, and tourism contributes significantly to the pollution of the city’s canals and lagoon. Tourists generate large volumes of waste, including food packaging, plastic bottles, and other litter, which often end up in the waterways.

Erosion: Venice is built on a series of islands, and its buildings and infrastructure are vulnerable to erosion caused by the constant flow of water. The increased traffic of tourist boats on the canals has worsened the problem, causing damage to the foundations of buildings and creating waves that erode the shorelines.

Energy Consumption: The large number of tourists in Venice leads to a high demand for energy, which can have negative environmental impacts. Increased energy consumption can contribute to climate change and other environmental problems.

Carbon Emissions: Venice is a popular tourist destination, and the large number of visitors travelling to the city generates significant carbon emissions. These emissions contribute to climate change and can have negative impacts on the environment.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Venice, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the spring (April to June) or the fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Is Venice expensive for tourists?

Venice can be expensive for tourists, particularly during peak season. Accommodation and food prices are typically higher than in other parts of Italy.

How many days should I spend in Venice?

Many travelers recommend spending at least two or three days in Venice to fully explore the city’s attractions and neighborhoods.What are the must-see attractions in Venice?

Some of the must-see attractions in Venice include St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

How do I get around Venice?

The best way to get around Venice is on foot or by water taxi, vaporetto, or gondola.

Are there any safety concerns for tourists in Venice?

Venice is generally considered a safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crime.What is the food like in Venice?

Venice is known for its seafood, cicchetti (small plates), and local specialties such as risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).

Can I visit Venice in a day?

While it is possible to visit Venice in a day, it is recommended to spend at least one or two nights in the city to fully experience its charms.

Are there any special events or festivals in Venice?

Venice is known for its Carnival, held in February or March, as well as the Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition that takes place every two years.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for attractions in Venice?

As you can see, tourism in Venice is a very important industry that brings many benefits to the local area and community. However, in order to ensure that tourism is sustainable, it must be carefully managed.

If you enjoyed this article about tourism in Venice, I am sure you will like these too:

• 51 fascinating facts about Italy
• The 6 best islands in Italy + essential travel tips
• 13 surprising facts about the volcanoes in Italy
• 39 awesome things Italy is known for

Liked this article? Click to share!

• Things to do in Venezia

Museums, Castles, Archaeological Sites...

Typical products, Fashion, Souvenir...

Pizzerias, Restaurants, Street Food, Bakeries...

Discover the wonders of Venezia

Wellness, Cocktail bar, Fun...

• Venice Pass

Discounts, museums and public transport in Venice

• Choose your accommodation

Best hotels in Venezia

Holiday Parks in Venice

Best vacation rentals in Venezia

Book your stay at discounted prices in Venice

• Tips for visiting Venezia

Info, luggage storage, useful numbers...

• Attractions
• Venetianity

Accedi gratis alle principali attrazioni di Venezia ed ottieni sconti nelle migliori attività

• Ingresso gratuito alle principali attrazioni di Venezia
• Trasporti pubblici gratis per tutta Venezia
• Sconti nei migliori Hotel, Ristoranti e Attività commerciali

Venice against overtourism: new measures from summer 2022

Access to the city through turnstiles is back. These will be tested as early as this September and will be in operation from next summer: tourists will have to book and pay a fee to enter the city.

Venice and the overtourism issue

Overtourism has been defined by the World Tourism Organization as "the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way". Venice has always been decreed as the world capital of mass tourism, with a ratio of 370 visitors per year for every resident in the historic centre: an unsustainable figure. As early as 2019, the administration had set out to put in place restrictive measures to improve the city's situation, trying to aim for more sustainable tourism. Because of Covid, the measures were postponed until now, as the city had remained semi-deserted during lockdown periods. 

Thanks to the stop of the large cruise ships, the city has averted, for the third time, its inclusion in UNESCO's black list of endangered world heritage sites , but to make tourism in Venice more sustainable, it is necessary, unfortunately, to implement further measures and restrictions. Venice is such a beautiful city but just as fragile, and with the advent of Covid the problem of crowds in the city's narrow streets and near the main sights is even more pronounced. When the new measures come into force next summer, it is hoped to put an end to this problem, thus distributing arrivals in the city fairly throughout the year. But let's look at these new rules in detail.

Venice and the new measures to regulate the arrivals

During this summer of opening, after periods of lockdown, Venice was flooded with tourists, with estimates of as many as 80,000 visits a day. The problem of overtourism, combined with the impossibility of allowing crowds to gather in the city's narrow calli due to Covid, has made the strategy of limiting access to the city popular again. 

 From summer 2022, the local government has decided to implement "active" management of tourist flows, based on an access fee and electronic turnstiles. A strategy that has only been tested in the last few pre-covid seasons and whose entry into force has already been postponed twice. According to local newspaper reports, the system will involve gates located at the city's access points, delimited by high-tech turnstiles, to which you only need to place near your mobile phone to enter. In fact, the turnstiles will be accompanied by an app that will allow you to book your visit, paying the access fee, which will vary from 3 to 10 euros depending on the period chosen.

Residents, commuters and a number of other categories, that will be defined shortly, will be exempt from payment. The inhabitants of the Veneto region will not have to pay for access to the city, but will still have to book their visit. The first test turnstiles could be positioned at Tronchetto to be tested by the city's employees. The hypothesis is that they will eventually be positioned at the railway station, at Piazzale Roma and at the tourist launch terminal.

Is Hotel Not Hotel a hotel? Or is it one of Amsterdam’s newest restaurant and bar hot spots? You decide! Autore della citazione

Los Angeles

LA is always so much fun!

La Pizza migliore del mondo

Ti consigliamo

Lascia un commento.

Scopri subito come risparmiare!

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

A tale of 2 cities: Venice residents torn between mass tourism and a more harmonious existence

Covid-19 made it clear 'la serenissima' needs to diversify its battered economy.

Social Sharing

Francesco Penzo stands straddling a sandolo , a low boat Venetians once used for shooting ducks. He manoeuvres a long paddle deep into the water, steering the vessel around the corner of a canal in the former working-class neighbourhood of Cannaregio, the only sound the creaking of wood and birdsong echoing above.

Cannaregio is one of the few areas in Venice that had not been overtaken by tourists and souvenir shops before the devastating "acqua alta" flooding in November, followed by the coronavirus quarantine in March that locked down Italy for more than two months.

Yet as we glide past a row of gorgeously crumbling palazzi, Penzo points out a small brick building ahead that he says encapsulates the real crisis his city faces: not COVID-19 but what COVID-19 has made painfully clear.

"That's where I live," says the housing activist, who works in the insurance business for his day job. "Of the 10 apartments in there, four are Airbnbs, four are second homes and only two have people actually living in them."

Without tourists, in other words, there is hardly anyone left in Venice.

WATCH | The sights and sounds of a Venice canal:

Italy's Venice could find a future in its past

It wasn't always this way.

In the 1970s, upwards of 150,000 people resided in the lagoon city. Today, it's home to just over 50,000, with the population shrinking by 1,000 each year — half from older people dying, half from people leaving due to soaring housing costs and lack of job opportunities.

A massive flood in 1966 triggered the initial exodus, with Venetians fleeing to the nearby mainland city of Mestre, part of the Venice municipality, and staying. Former residents began converting their Venice homes into short-term rentals and hotels; the advent of low-cost airlines and Airbnb did the rest.

• Flooded Venice records 3rd exceptional tide as other parts of Italy hit with rain, snow
• 'Moment of a lifetime' for Italians taking advantage of museums emptied of tourists by COVID lockdown

"When I grew up here, Venice was crowded, but crowded with Venetians," says Aline Cedron, an editor raising two teenagers in Cannaregio. Cedron is one of 3,000 members of Gruppo 25 Aprile, the latest incarnation of various citizens' groups that have been trying for several decades to return Venice from being what they call a 15th-century theme park to the vibrant, lived-in city it once was.

'A different way of life'

Here in Cannaregio, for a moment, you can almost believe the city is alive and well. We stroll through a lush, walled park with children scrambling up slides, then past a square with elderly residents chatting amiably on benches as kids kick a ball against a wall.

It's hard not to feel a pang of envy to see how relaxed urban life can be — not only without tourists, but without the noise, exhaust and danger of cars. Neighbours congregate at the end of the day in local cafés for bright orange spritzes, the Venetian cocktail now popular around the world. Crime throughout the whole lagoon city is practically non-existent.

"Venice is an example of such a different way of life for the entire world, and in my experience, a high quality of life. Having to walk everywhere, you are constantly meeting people, and the social aspect of this life is very, very precious," Cedron says.

Precious, but with a mono-economy of mass tourism that is perilously lacking in resilience, say even those who depend on that economy.

• Italian shops, churches reopen after weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown
• Cruise ship plows into tourist boat docked in Venice

Across Venice's once highly trafficked thoroughfare, the Canal Grande, master gondola maker Lorenzo Della Toffola bangs nails along the reddish bottom of a gleaming black boat resting on its side in his squero , one of the few traditional boatyards in Venice that remain. His son Alberto, in his late 20s and the only offspring apprentice in Venice's boatyards, works on another gondola inside a long shed.

Business has been slow, with gondolier owners waiting for customers to return before bringing their boats in for annual repairs. Despite his reduced income, though, Della Toffola says the post-quarantine period is a historic occasion for Venice to shift course.

"Let's hope this time people get it," he says. "That we just can't go on with the old number of tourists. We need local artisans, who make the city healthier, realer and don't have anything to do with all the [tourist] junk ... sold on the streets. We need Venetians to return, bakers and butchers. You just can't have a city based only on tourism."

Groups seek diversified economy

Upwards of 25 million tourists, mostly day trippers, pour over Venice's walkways, bridges and campi  — small squares — each year. Despite efforts by activist groups to ban cruise ships, the mammoth vessels still loomed in the backdrop until the coronavirus lockdown.

"We want a tourism that is more aware," says Laura Scarpa, vice-president of Venezia da Vivere, a network that promotes Venetian artisans, artists and fashion designers. "We want people to visit with intentionality, to get to know our history and artisanal traditions and not just come to stand in Piazza San Marco and take a selfie."

Scarpa's group and most others like it say diversification of the city's economy is the only way forward. Venezia da Vivere has launched a debate asking residents to "rewrite" the future of Venice, posting interviews with residents who have ideas for sustainable alternatives to tourism and incentives for residency.

Many would like to see environmental studies become a cornerstone of Venice's Ca' Foscari university, given how vulnerable the city is to rising ocean levels brought on by climate change. They want to improve wireless connectivity to encourage people who work remotely to live here.

They're pushing for tax and housing incentives for its craftspeople and artists, who, they say, not only represent a continuum with the city's past of textile, lace-making and glassworks, but who could lead the way in recreating vibrant and mixed urban spaces where people both work and live.

It's a vision, they say, that all levels of government have failed to provide. They point out that Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and most city councillors reside in the mainland Mestre, not in Venice proper. As a result, they believe, the administration tends to view the lagoon city as a money-making operation, rather than an actual community.

It's a depiction Paola Mar, the energetic city councillor responsible for tourism who also lives in Mestre, refutes. She insists the municipal government does have ideas on how to move away from mass tourism — in place even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

• CBC IN ITALY The lessons Italy has learned about its COVID-19 outbreak could help the rest of the world
• Vancouver artist Stan Douglas to represent Canada at Venice Biennale

She cites a program encouraging "slow tourism," charging a fee to day trippers, brochures promoting decorum that urge tourists not to litter and loiter — an issue also championed by past mayors — and the installation earlier this year of sensors at the city's various entrances to count the numbers of visitors and better control the influx.

"It's beautiful but disturbing," Mar says of the now-empty Venice. "Tourism is the most important industry ... but we need to do more to help young people afford to live here."

To that end, post-lockdown, Venice has struck a deal with the university for the vacant Airbnbs to be rented to students. It is also encouraging tourist shops to convert to corner stores, bakeries and fruit stands, now sorely missing, for residents. And it is moving forward with assigning 360 newly renovated subsidized municipal apartments to young families.

But critics call the initiatives a drop in the bucket and say that renting to students until tourists return mostly helps Airbnbs — many of which are owned by large companies with no real stake in the city.

Venice faces existential questions

What is striking, though, when listening to city authorities and citizens wanting change, is how similar their message is: in a nutshell, the need for Venice's tourism to move from "mass to class."

But others say even that is cause for caution.

In a recent blog post entitled "Which residents?" urban thinker Paola Somma questions both the emphasis on "quality" tourism and attracting a "new creative class" — the kind of people who attend the Venice Biennale, a showcase of cinema, art, architecture, theatre and dance. She suggests the phrases are merely code for attracting millionaires and celebrities at the expense of working people.

Venice is not so much an empty tourist city as a "hedge city," Somma argues, its centuries-old structures not vacant but stuffed with investment dollars by the world's wealthy. 

As Venice's mayor tells residents protesting over tourism or cruise ships to "go live somewhere else," he publicly fetes people like actor Emma Thompson as new "Venetian citizens" after they purchase property here.

"When we talk about repopulating Venice, are we talking about a mix of activities and class of people that characterized the city 50 years ago, or are we talking about anyone who has money and is willing to register as a resident?" Somma asks.

How to save this exquisitely moribund city is hardly a new question. But with the COVID-19 pandemic — along with the chance to move through quiet canals, to hear Venetian accents ring purely through the air and to gaze, unobstructed, upon works by Renaissance masters Tintoretto or Titian — these nagging existential questions have been laid bare as never before.

Many citizens say they will do all they can to seize this moment and to stop "La Serenissima" from returning to its "old normal."

But they also say the risk has never been greater, either.

"It's true this is an opportunity for Venice," says Francesco Penzo, steering the sandolo toward the open, uncluttered waters of the Canal Grande.

"But this crisis could be used to justify not just a return to mass tourism, but to even more mass tourism. Real transformation never comes with a shock but with a plan. And Venice doesn't have one."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rome correspondent

Megan Williams has been covering all things Italian, from politics and the Vatican, to food and culture, to the plight of migrants in the Mediterranean, for more than two decades. Based in Rome, Megan has also told stories from other parts of Europe and the world and won many international prizes for her reporting, including a James Beard Award. Her radio documentaries can be heard on Ideas and The Current. Megan is also a regular guest host on CBC national radio shows.

Related Stories

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Venice to limit tourist group size to 25 to protect historic city

Move aims to reduce pressure of thousands of daily visitors to Italian city and protect residents

Venice is to limit the size of tourist groups in an attempt to reduce the pressure of thousands of visitors crowding its squares, bridges and narrow walkways each day.

From June, groups visiting the Italian canal city will be limited to 25 people, or roughly half the capacity of a tourist bus, the city announced this weekend. The use of loudspeakers, popular among tour groups but “which can generate confusion and disturbances”, will be banned in the city and on nearby islands, officials said in a statement.

Elisabetta Pesce, in charge of security in Venice , said the policies were aimed at improving the movement of groups through the historic centre as well as the heavily visited islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. She said the decision was about “the need to protect residents” and better manage the flow of visitors walking around the city.

“It is an important measure aimed at improving the management of groups in the historic centre and on the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello,” Pesce said. “It’s about promoting sustainable tourism and guaranteeing the protection and safety of the city.”

Authorities in Venice have for years sought to ease the pressure of mass tourism and the vast numbers of visitors flocking to sights including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. About 3.2 million people stayed overnight in Venice’s historic centre in 2022, but about 30 million people visit each year, with a majority of the city’s tourists coming for just the day.

Venice, once the heart of a powerful maritime republic, has been on the Unesco world heritage list since 1987 as an “extraordinary architectural masterpiece”. But Unesco has since warned that tourism’s impact on the fragile lagoon city is a major issue and has twice considered placing Venice on its list of heritage sites in danger .

To avoid being put on the danger list, the city has moved to reduce the impact of tourism. First, it limited the arrival of large cruise ships through the Giudecca canal. Cruise ships, which once dropped off thousands of visitors a day, have now been rerouted to an industrial port.

Then, in September, Venice announced a day-tripper charge which will be tested from spring.

Day visitors will be charged €5 (£4.30) to enter the city’s historic centre in an attempt to reduce tourist numbers. A 30-day trial of the entrance fee will be spread across public holidays and weekends in the spring and summer. Residents, commuters, students and children under the age of 14 will be exempt, as will tourists who stay in the city overnight.

after newsletter promotion

Venetians have held several protests in recent years against a tourism industry which they argue has eroded their quality of life, damaged the environment and driven residents away. On some days, the current population of just over 49,000 – down from about 175,000 in the post-second-world-war years – is dwarfed by the number of tourists.

In September, it emerged that the number of beds available to tourists on Venice’s main island had surpassed the number of year-round residents for the first time. According to figures from the activist group Venessia.com, last autumn there were 49,693 tourist beds across hotels and rented holiday homes, compared with 49,304 inhabitants.

There was a dip in visitor numbers to Venice linked to severe flooding in 2019 and another fall in numbers due to the disruption of the 2020 Covid pandemic. But high visitor numbers returned last summer. An average of 40,000 day- trippers pour into the city on peak days.

More on this story

Venice mayor says he is brave like Marco Polo in charging day-trippers €5

Venice gondola capsizes after tourists refuse to sit down and stop taking selfies

Venice to trial €5 ticketing system for day visitors from 2024

I took my mum to Venice – it was instantly special

Seagulls force Venice’s Marco Polo airport to close briefly

Venice awaits Unesco heritage ruling as beds for tourists outnumber residents for first time

Venice crash victims named as debate rages over Italy’s roads

Unesco recommends putting Venice on heritage danger list

Most viewed.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

Compass & Pine

The Ultimate Travel Guide

Venice Overtourism: How a Small City is Dealing With Mass Tourism

In the heart of the city, St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge have transformed from cultural landmarks to tourist traps, swarming with day trippers who contribute little to the local economy. The small city, once a serene escape, now grapples with the consequences of mass tourism—a term that’s become synonymous with visiting Venice.

But this isn’t just a story of overcrowded plazas and selfie sticks. It’s a narrative that delves into the very fabric of Venice, questioning how a city built on stilts can sustain the weight of its own popularity. From the visitor tax aimed at mitigating the flood of tourists to the more literal floods exacerbated by climate change, Venice is at a tipping point.

So, as we navigate through this intricate issue, we’ll explore the tension between tourism and sustainability, the impact on the local economy, and the ethical considerations of visiting a city that’s sinking under its own fame. Buckle up; it’s going to be a riveting journey.

• What is Causing Venice's Overtourism?
• Overtourism's Toll on Venice

How Venice is Countering Overcrowding

• Venice's Dance with UNESCO and the Failure to Act

Venice Tourist Tax

• Venice's Most Visited Landmarks

How To Visit Venice Responsibly

• Frequently Asked Questions on Venice's Tourists

1. Why is Venice experiencing overtourism?

2. what are the main consequences of overtourism in venice, 3. what steps are being taken to combat overtourism, 4. how can i visit venice responsibly, 5. is it ethical to visit venice given the current overtourism issue, related posts.

What is Causing Venice’s Overtourism?

At its core, Venice overtourism is a tale of excess—a city drowning under the weight of its own popularity. Imagine, if you will, a staggering 20 million souls descending upon this small city each year.

On peak days, the visitor count swells to 120,000, starkly contrasting the mere 55,000 who call Venice home. The irony? Most of these pilgrims are drawn like moths to the flame of iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square , further compacting their presence into an already cramped space. The result is a cityscape that’s not just crowded but also crumbling, its infrastructure gasping for air.

But let’s not kid ourselves; this isn’t merely a Venetian tragedy. The same plot unfolds in Barcelona, Reykjavik, and Dubrovnik. The culprits? The unholy trinity of low-cost aviation, mammoth cruise ships, and the rise of home-sharing platforms.

Add to this the phenomenon of the “day tripper”—those who breeze through the city like a whirlwind, barely touching the ground. They’re the ultimate paradox: visitors who don’t really “visit Venice.” They snap a few photos, buy some kitschy souvenirs , and vanish, leaving nary a ripple in the local economy.

And what of those who do linger for a night or two? They’re part of the problem, too. With property prices soaring to stratospheric levels, what could be family homes or affordable rentals are morphing into cash cows for vacation stays. The result? A city where only the well-heeled can afford the luxury of residency.

So, as we peel back the layers of this complex issue, we find a web of contributing factors, each more intricate than the last. It’s a narrative that begs the question: How can Venice reclaim its soul while still extending an open arm to the world?

Overtourism’s Toll on Venice

Imagine being a local Venetian, waking up to the cacophony of rolling suitcases and the incessant clicks of selfie sticks. Your daily commute isn’t just a walk; it’s an obstacle course through throngs of tourists who think it’s cute to swim in canals or have a picnic on ancient bridges. You’re not just navigating streets; you’re navigating a minefield of disrespect. The city you once knew—the city you love—is now a playground for visitors who leave more than just footprints; they leave scars.

But the wounds run deeper than mere inconvenience. The very essence of Venice is being diluted, its artisan spirit eroded by the tidal wave of tourism. Walk into a bar, and the music caters not to the local ear but to the tourist’s playlist. The food, the merchandise, the very air you breathe—it’s all been commodified, repackaged for mass consumption. And what’s left for the locals? A city that’s increasingly inhospitable to its own.

The job market? Forget about it. Unless you’re in the tourism industry, good luck finding work. And so, we arrive at the inevitable outcome: depopulation. Venice, once a bustling city of over 120,000 souls, has dwindled to a mere 55,000. Projections are even grimmer; by 2030, some say, the city could be devoid of full-time residents. Jonathan Keates, chairman of Venice in Peril, warns that if the population dips below 40,000, we’re looking at a city that’s essentially a museum—a relic of its former self.

So, as we wade through the murky waters of Venice overtourism, we’re forced to confront an uncomfortable truth: the city is at risk of losing not just its character but its very lifeblood. And that, my friends, is a tragedy we cannot afford to ignore.

In a move that’s both applauded and criticized, the Italian government swung the hammer in 2017, banning cruise ships weighing over 55,000 tonnes from sailing into St. Mark’s Basin and the Giudecca Canal starting 2021.

The behemoths of the sea will now have to dock their hulking masses in Marghera, a mainland port. It’s a step, albeit a contentious one, toward reclaiming Venice’s fragile waterways. But it’s not just to reduce crowds, banning tourist ships has helped with Venice’s flooding issues .

Then there’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, a man walking a tightrope between preservation and public outcry. In 2018, he unveiled a divisive plan to control the human tide flooding Venice’s iconic landmarks.

Imagine this: turnstiles at the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, diverting tourists like cattle while allowing only locals and business folks to traverse the city’s arterial routes. And if you dare to roll into Venice in your car without pre-booked parking? You might as well U-turn at the Ponta della Liberta. The mayor didn’t stop there; he slapped fines on everything from noisy wheelie suitcases to public picnics.

But not everyone’s singing the mayor’s tune. In a dramatic act of defiance, protesters tore down the newly erected turnstiles, their chants of “Free Venice” echoing through the city’s ancient corridors. Activist Marco Baravalle summed it up: “Venice is dying… The mayor’s turnstiles signify surrender—a Venice devoid of its lifeblood.”

So here we are, at the crossroads of preservation and freedom, each path fraught with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas.

Venice’s Dance with UNESCO and the Failure to Act

Overtourism in Venice isn’t yesterday’s news; it’s a haunting refrain that’s been echoing for years. UNESCO, the global guardian of heritage, has been sounding the alarm bells since 2014. They gave Italy a two-year ultimatum to get its act together, demanding a sustainable tourism strategy and a coordinated approach to preserve Venice’s ‘outstanding universal value.’ Fast forward to 2017, and the city found itself teetering on the edge of UNESCO’s ‘sites in danger’ list—a fate deferred, but not dismissed, until 2018.

The inertia is maddening, to say the least. Just ask Justin Francis, CEO of Responsible Travel, who can barely contain his exasperation: “How did we get here? How did this jewel of a city end up on the brink?” For years, Venice has been unable to stem the tide of tourists pouring in from cruise ships and Airbnb rentals. The result? A city divided, its social fabric torn between residents and visitors. “Venice has been reduced to a theme park,” Francis laments. “Tourism should be a bridge, not a wall. It should unite locals and tourists in a symbiotic relationship, not segregate them.”

So, as the sands of time slip through our fingers, we’re left grappling with a Venice that’s at a critical juncture. The question isn’t just how to save the city, but how to restore its soul in a way that honors both its residents and its global admirers.

The Venice Tourist Tax is a fee that visitors must pay to enter the city. Initially planned to be implemented in January 2022, the tax has been postponed multiple times and is now expected to be in effect by at least 2024. The tax will range from 3 to 10 euros, depending on the tourist flow on a given day.

The tax aims to control the number of visitors and better manage the city’s resources. The tax will not apply to those staying in hotels within Venice, as they already pay a local city tax. Various exemptions are in place, including for residents, students, and those in Venice for official business. Fines for non-compliance will range from 100 to 450 euros.

Update 09.13.2023:

Venice’s city council has approved the daytime tax for visitors. Starting in 2024, day visitors will be required to pay 5 euros ($5.38) to visit the city.

This tax will be in effect for 30 non-consecutive days, primarily during long weekends in the spring and regular weekends in the summer. The exact dates will be announced soon.

The tax is aimed at protecting Venice from the detrimental effects of mass tourism. Overnight travelers are exempt from this tax but are subject to a separate tourist tax introduced in 2011. The overnight travelers tax ranges from 1 to 5 euros per person per night for the first five nights.

The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, has stated that this tax is an experiment to manage overtourism without causing harm.

#ConsiglioComunale | Approvato il Regolamento per il contributo d’accesso per i turisti giornalieri! Faremo una sperimentazione con grande umiltà e cercheremo di non danneggiare nessuno. È una delle azioni che abbiamo messo in campo per proteggere la Città del turismo di… pic.twitter.com/LJ9iSqmT9d — Luigi Brugnaro (@LuigiBrugnaro) September 12, 2023

Venice’s Most Visited Landmarks

• St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) : The grand living room of Venice, a must-see that’s often the first stop for any visitor.
• St. Mark’s Basilica : An architectural marvel that is a testament to Venice’s opulence and Byzantine influences.
• Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) : A symbol of the city’s former maritime might and political prowess.
• Rialto Bridge : The oldest and most iconic bridge spanning the Grand Canal, a bustling hub of commerce and photography.
• Grand Canal : Venice’s main waterway, best experienced by vaporetto or a romantic gondola ride.
• Bridge of Sighs : A baroque beauty with a melancholic history, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons.
• Santa Maria della Salute : A stunning baroque church that dominates the Venetian skyline.
• Gallerie dell’Accademia : Home to an impressive collection of Venetian art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
• Murano Island : Famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking.
• Burano Island : Known for its colorful houses and intricate lacework.
• Lido : Venice’s beach, a break from the city’s labyrinthine canals and narrow streets.
• Teatro La Fenice : One of the most famous opera houses in Italy, a phoenix risen from the ashes—literally.
• Scuola Grande di San Rocco : A masterpiece of Tintoretto, showcasing some of his finest works.
• Jewish Ghetto : The world’s first ghetto, a poignant reminder of Venice’s complex history.

• Off-Peak Visits : Consider visiting Venice during the shoulder seasons. Fewer crowds mean a more authentic experience and less strain on local resources.
• Stay Local : Opt for locally-owned accommodations over large hotel chains or Airbnb rentals that drive up property prices for residents.
• Spend Wisely : Invest in the local economy by dining at local restaurants, shopping at local markets, and hiring local guides.
• Mindful Movement : Avoid cruise ships and consider arriving by train or eco-friendly modes of transport. Once there, walk or use public vaporettos rather than private water taxis.
• Cultural Respect : Learn a few basic phrases in Italian, understand local customs, and respect public spaces. No picnicking on bridges or swimming in canals, please.
• Low-Impact Exploration : Stick to the less-trodden paths. Visit lesser-known landmarks and neighborhoods to spread the tourist load.
• Sustainable Souvenirs : Buy locally-made crafts and products rather than mass-produced trinkets. Murano glass or Burano lace, anyone?
• Leave No Trace : Dispose of your waste properly. Venice has a fragile ecosystem that’s easily disrupted by litter.
• Educate Yourself : Before you go, read up on Venice’s history, culture, and the challenges it faces. Knowledge is the first step toward empathy and responsible action.
• Advocate and Share : Use your social media platforms to educate others about responsible travel. Your influence can make a difference.
• Support Local Initiatives : Contribute to local organizations working to preserve Venice’s cultural and natural heritage.
• Be Mindful of Photography : Respect people’s privacy and property when taking photos. Not everything needs to be Instagrammed.

For more information, read our guide to the best times to visit Venice .

Frequently Asked Questions on Venice’s Tourists

Venice is a victim of its own allure—a city so captivating that it draws millions each year. The rise of low-cost airlines, cruise ships, and home-sharing platforms like Airbnb have made it easier than ever to “visit Venice,” exacerbating the problem. The city’s small size and fragile ecosystem make it particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of mass tourism.

The repercussions are manifold, affecting both the physical city and its community. Landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are overcrowded, leading to wear and tear. The local economy is skewed towards tourism, making it hard for residents to find non-tourism jobs. This has led to depopulation, as locals move away in search of better opportunities.

Various measures have been implemented, such as banning large cruise ships from certain canals and introducing visitor taxes. The Mayor has also proposed controlling access to popular sites and fining inappropriate behavior. However, these steps have been met with mixed reactions, and the effectiveness remains to be seen.

Being a responsible traveler involves making conscious choices. Visit during off-peak seasons, stay in locally-owned accommodations, and spend your money at local businesses. Be respectful of the city’s cultural heritage and natural environment. Educate yourself about the issues Venice faces and consider how your actions can either contribute to the problem or be part of the solution.

This is a complex question with no easy answer. On one hand, tourism is a significant part of Venice’s economy. On the other, the city is clearly struggling under the weight of its own popularity. The key is to visit in a way that minimizes your negative impact and maximizes your positive contributions to the local community and environment.

As we navigate the labyrinthine canals and complexities of Venice overtourism, it’s clear that the city stands at a critical juncture. The choices we make today—as travelers, as policymakers, as global citizens—will echo through the annals of Venice’s history. But let’s not forget, Venice isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing entity that embodies the collective memory and dreams of humanity. It’s a place that deserves not just our admiration but also our utmost respect and care. So, as you ponder your next journey, consider how you can be a part of Venice’s preservation, not its downfall. The city’s future, in many ways, is in our hands. We invite you to join this crucial conversation. What are your thoughts on overtourism in Venice? How can we, as a global community, contribute to the city’s sustainability? Share your insights, experiences, and suggestions in the comments below. Let’s come together to write the next chapter in Venice’s storied history—a chapter that speaks of revival, respect, and responsible travel.

Venice Flooding: Why Is Venice Sinking?

Venice faces rising sea tides that could destroy this ancient city. Learn about the causes of the flooding, what Venice is doing to stop it, and more.

Venice Alternatives Around the World

As you plan your next trip abroad, consider these cities as Venice alternatives. Each location offers a unique take on Venetian romance and wonder. Read more.

About Todd O'Rourke

Todd is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who co-founded Compass and Pine with his dog Leg. Together, they have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with their base of operations in Philadelphia.

He started Compass and Pine after living in Vicenza, Italy for three years and falling deeply in love with the country, the people, and, of course, the food.

His favorite city is Florence, Italy, and his favorite National Park is Olympic in Washington.

LinkedIn | About Us

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Explore more

Venice's new tourist tax launches this month—how will it work?

Day trippers will need to pay €5 to enter on select days in a pilot scheme which starts during the biennale.

Fighting for space: around 30 million visitors flood into Venice every year, and two thirds of these are day trippers. Just 10% of tourists visit the city’s civic museums Tom Fenske

After delays and passionate protests, Venice will become the world’s first city to charge day trippers entry this month. Ahead of the pilot’s launch, councillors said other cities could learn from Venice’s experiment, while critics said the scheme was doomed to failure .

Each year around 30 million visitors flood Venice, a Unesco world heritage site and home to fewer than 50,000 people. The onslaught has pushed locals to the mainland as they flee rising rents and tourist-clogged streets. Two thirds of visitors are day trippers, who add little to the local economy, according to official statistics.

Day trippers will now need to pay €5 to enter Venice between 8.30am and 4pm on elected days. The pilot will be active on 29 days between 25 April—the feast day of St Mark, Venice’s patron saint—and 14 July, including on most weekends. Visitors will need to download a QR code that may be checked by controllers patrolling key entry points such as the Santa Lucia train station and Piazzale Roma car park. Transgressors risk fines of between €50 and €300.

Residents, homeowners, students and workers, including commuters, are exempt from the scheme. Children under 14, people in need of care, and visitors staying in rented accommodation and hotels – who already pay a tourist tax of between €1 and €5 per night – will need to book their visits, but they are exempt from the fee. People who are solely visiting Venice’s islands, including the Lido and Murano, will not need to pay the charge. By 6 March, nearly 5,000 people had pre-paid the fee, while 23,000 of those who are exempt had logged their presence, officials told The Art Newspaper .

Simone Venturini, Venice’s tourism chief, admits that the scheme, which cost €3m, is not a “magic bullet”, but predicts it could dissuade some “hit and run” visitors from booking holidays on the busiest days of the year. Controllers, who will number between 50 and 60 at any one time, will show leniency during the trial, allowing those without a QR code to download one while still within a “buffer zone” near entry points, he adds. Data collected by the Smart Control Room, where operators monitor tourists’ movements with video cameras and mobile phone data, will help assess the scheme’s impact, allowing it to be tweaked in the future.

The charge was born after Italy passed a law in 2019 allowing Venice to introduce a day trippers’ tax of up to €10. Plans to charge up to €10 from that year were dropped during the pandemic, and a similar scheme for last year was delayed so the system could be perfected. When councillors voted by 24 votes to 10 in September to introduce the new €5 charge, the city hall erupted into a scene of screaming councillors accusing Mayor Luigi Brugnaro of damaging the city and angry protestors brandishing banners.

Giuseppe Saccà, an opposition councillor for the centre-left Democratic Party, says it is “shameful” that Venice is becoming the world’s first pay-to-enter city. Government officials have also criticised the move. Daniela Santanché, the tourism minister, said at a February event: “I don’t agree with using taxation to manage tourism.” She added: “It’s better for a service to cost more than a tax [that] gives nothing in return.”

While other destinations have introduced taxes to manage over-tourism – including Bhutan, the small nation in the Himalayas, which charges visitors $200 a day, and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which charges $18.80—they have usually been included in accommodation costs or visa fees. Venice will be the first city to charge visitors to enter.

Difficult to enforce

Saccà said the scheme is “messy and jumbled”, arguing it would make life “impossible” for working Venetians, and predicts it “cannot be enforced”. Instead, he says, Venice should create packages of services for tourists, including transport and museum tickets, with variable prices depending on the period to regulate visitor flows. In Saccà’s view, the new charge is a money-making scheme designed to dissuade Unesco from putting Venice on its blacklist. (In September last year, Unesco voted not to include Venice on the endangered list but said “further progress still needs to be made”). Saccà also accuses Brugnaro of doing nothing to counter over-tourism.

Venturini argues that Brugnaro’s administration has made progress: since the Covid-19 pandemic, when tourist numbers plummeted, it has limited the opening of new hotels, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, worked with the government to ban cruise ships from the historic centre, and announced a 25-person limit on tour groups. He predicted that Venice would soon reap rewards. “The trend is changing,” he says.

He adds that the scheme would be a boon for visitors to the Venice Biennale, who tend to stay in the city for more than one day. “There will be less pressure on the city,” he said. “For whoever decides to sleep in the city, it will be more beautiful, more liveable.”

During a November press conference, Michele Zuin, Venice’s finance chief, brushed off accusations that the charge was about money-making, saying it was expected to generate €700,000—far less than invested.

Claudio Vernier, the president of the Piazza San Marco association, a local heritage protection group, says the tax is a good idea but visitors should pay a higher fee of €10. Just 10% of tourists visit Venice’s civic museums, meaning they contribute little to cultural institutions, Vernier says. He suggests that funds raised with a higher charge could be used to restore heritage in the city.

But Giovanni Leone, the president of Do.Ve, a Venetian merchants and artisans association, views the tourist tax as ineffectual. Instead, the council should clamp down on holiday lets, now that hotels, B&Bs and rented apartments in the historic centre have the capacity to host 50,000 tourists overnight—more than Venetian residents—he says. He is critical of Brugnaro for not taking advantage of a national law passed in 2022 allowing Venice to limit the number of holiday lets. “If we implement this measure we will open the way for other cities blighted by over-tourism,” Leone says.