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.

Section	Details
Causes of Overtourism	– 20 million visitors annually. – Peak days see 120,000 visitors compared to 55,000 residents. – Influence of low-cost aviation, cruise ships, and home-sharing platforms. – Day trippers who don’t contribute significantly to the local economy.
Overtourism’s Impact	– Overcrowded landmarks leading to wear and tear. – Local economy skewed towards tourism. – Depopulation due to lack of non-tourism jobs. – Venice’s character and essence being diluted.
Countermeasures	– Ban on cruise ships over 55,000 tonnes from certain areas starting 2021. – Introduction of turnstiles at major landmarks. – Fines for inappropriate behavior. – Venice Tourist Tax ranging from 3 to 10 euros.
UNESCO’s Involvement	– Alarm bells since 2014. – Demands for a sustainable tourism strategy. – Venice at risk of being added to the ‘sites in danger’ list.
Most Visited Landmarks	– St. Mark’s Square – St. Mark’s Basilica – Doge’s Palace – Rialto Bridge – Grand Canal – And more…
Visiting Responsibly	– Off-Peak Visits – Stay Local – Spend Wisely – Mindful Movement – Cultural Respect – And more…
Frequently Asked Questions	– Why is Venice experiencing overtourism? – Main consequences of overtourism? – Steps to combat overtourism? – How to visit responsibly? – Ethical considerations of visiting Venice.

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.

How Venice is Countering Overcrowding

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.

Venice Tourist Tax

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.

How To Visit Venice Responsibly

1. Off-Peak Visits: Consider visiting Venice during the shoulder seasons. Fewer crowds mean a more authentic experience and less strain on local resources.
2. Stay Local: Opt for locally-owned accommodations over large hotel chains or Airbnb rentals that drive up property prices for residents.
3. Spend Wisely: Invest in the local economy by dining at local restaurants, shopping at local markets, and hiring local guides.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Low-Impact Exploration: Stick to the less-trodden paths. Visit lesser-known landmarks and neighborhoods to spread the tourist load.
7. Sustainable Souvenirs: Buy locally-made crafts and products rather than mass-produced trinkets. Murano glass or Burano lace, anyone?
8. Leave No Trace: Dispose of your waste properly. Venice has a fragile ecosystem that’s easily disrupted by litter.
9. 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.
10. Advocate and Share: Use your social media platforms to educate others about responsible travel. Your influence can make a difference.
11. Support Local Initiatives: Contribute to local organizations working to preserve Venice’s cultural and natural heritage.
12. 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

1. Why is Venice experiencing overtourism?

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.

2. What are the main consequences of overtourism in Venice?

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.

3. What steps are being taken to combat overtourism?

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.

4. How can I visit Venice responsibly?

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.

5. Is it ethical to visit Venice given the current overtourism issue?

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.

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