In order to control the number of tourists and deal with the damage to cultural heritage caused by overtourism, on April 25, local time, Venice, Italy began to levy a "city entry fee" to day tourists. Tourists have had mixed reactions.
Reporter Yin Xin: This is the square in front of the Venice railway station. Today is April 25, Italy's National Liberation Day, and the first day that Venice began experimenting with a "city entry fee" of 5 euros per person for day trippers. Behind me, you can see that the staff is randomly checking the payment vouchers of tourists entering the city.
From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all holidays from April 25 to July 14 this year, visitors to Venice for a day trip need to make an online reservation or buy a ticket to enter the city on the spot, while those staying in Venice who need to enter the city for work, study, visiting relatives and friends, etc., need to register and enter the city free of charge after making an appointment, while residents of Venice, minors under the age of 14, people with disabilities, and law enforcement officials can enter the city for free without an appointment as long as they bring their identity documents. Violators will be fined between 50 and 300 euros.
Founded in the 5th century AD, Venice is famous for its unique water city and its historical importance and influence in architecture, painting, sculpture and opera. According to UNESCO, Venice now receives nearly 30 million visitors a year. In order to control the number of tourists, Venice began legislative work on entry fees at the end of 2018. On the day the fees began on the 25th, tourists, residents and merchants in Venice reacted very differently.
Tourist: I totally agree with the charge, even if it costs 50 euros. As long as you can reduce the number of tourists and invest in urban maintenance, this is a good idea.
Tourist: Our host informed us that we are making an online appointment today. But we think it's a bit complicated, we just want to take a vacation, we don't want to worry about these things, we're just going to stay for one day.
Residents of Venice: Anyone can enter the city as long as they pay a fee, and this will not prevent tourists from coming to Venice. Tourists pay 5 euros (about 39 yuan) and can enter the city.
Reporter Yin Xin: It is still unclear to what extent the entrance fee will alleviate the problem of too many tourists in Venice. The Municipality of Venice has stressed that it will further improve the measures after the end of the trial and that Venice will not be closed to tourists. In any case, the practice of charging is undoubtedly a precedent for other Italian cities that also face the problem of overcrowding. (Source: CCTV News; Editor: Yang Shuo)