Venice mayor proposes dynamic pricing for day-trippers with 50-euro ceiling

Venice mayor proposes dynamic pricing for day-trippers with 50-euro ceiling centers on a plan to curb overcrowding in the UNESCO city by changing the three-year-old day-tripper access fee. Mayor Simone Venturini, interviewed Friday, said the current 10-euro fee for last-minute reservations has not deterred visitors on the busiest days. Instead of a single higher rate, Venice would use surge pricing to raise charges up to 50 euros ($59) after demand thresholds are reached. Venturini argued the approach could help cover maintenance costs, saying the city spends 100 million euros annually to keep Venice physically maintained, financed largely by locals and tourism taxes. The proposal requires an amendment to Italy’s special Venice law and is being discussed with Italy’s tourism minister. While many critics oppose the fee, Venturini noted families may not pay the maximum, depending on booking levels.