April 25, Venice - The historic city of Venice made history once again as it became the first city in the world to impose an entry fee on day-trippers. The long-awaited "access contribution" began on Thursday, sparking protests and clashes between locals and police.

The pilot project, known as the "contributo di accesso," aims to determine the effectiveness of the system. Visitors who arrive between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. must pay a 5 euro ($5.40) charge, excluding residents of the local Veneto region. Overnight tourists are exempt from the fee, as they already pay an overnight tax. However, they are still required to register their presence to request an exemption.

Protesters gathered at the entry point of Piazzale Roma, waving banners and expressing their anger over the city being treated like a theme park or museum. The exact number of protesters is disputed, with organizers claiming a peak of 1,000 participants, while authorities estimate around 300. Clashes between demonstrators and police were also reported.

Ruggero Tallon, spokesperson for the anti-cruise ship campaign group No Grandi Navi, expressed concerns about the project, emphasizing the need to address the issue of overcrowding caused by mass tourism. Tallon criticized the fee, calling it a "medieval tax" and arguing that it does not alleviate the pressure on Venice.

Elena Gastaldello, president of Arci of Veneto, who also participated in the protest, stated that the entrance fee will not control the number of tourists entering the city. She criticized the lack of concrete policies for urban development, rent containment, and the availability of housing, highlighting that the fee does not solve these underlying problems.

According to the mayor's office, on the first day, 113,000 visitors registered, with approximately 80,000 doing so in advance. Only 15,700 visitors paid the fee, while almost 40,000 were hotel guests exempt from payment. Nearly 14,000 people had their credentials inspected by the council.

To enforce the system, the council set up checkpoints outside the train and bus terminals, with separate lines for "residents" and "tourists." Around 150 employees were hired to verify documents and provide advice. The fee will be charged on 29 specific days between now and July 14, with the project's success being evaluated before any future decisions are made.

Venice, with its declining population of less than 50,000 residents, has been grappling with the challenges posed by an overwhelming number of second homes and Airbnb rentals. The introduction of the entry fee has raised concerns among locals, who fear that it may further transform the city into an amusement park and dislike the requirement of registering their guests.

While some visitors acknowledged the need for regulating tourism, others remained unfazed by the fee, expressing their willingness to pay to experience the beauty of Venice. The project aims to strike a balance between preserving the city's heritage and managing the impact of mass tourism.

As the pilot project progresses, Venice remains at the center of a global debate on how to address the challenges and opportunities presented by mass tourism. The future of this iconic city lies in finding effective solutions that protect its cultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable and thriving environment for both residents and visitors alike.