The pilot program in Venice, which introduced an entrance fee for day-trippers, has come to a close, leaving the city divided over its success. While officials hail the program as a financial success, opponents argue that it failed to achieve its intended goals and even exacerbated existing issues in the fragile lagoon city.

Over the course of 2 and a half months, approximately 450,000 tourists paid the 5-euro ($5.45) entrance fee, generating around 2.2 million euros ($2.4 million) in revenue. The funds are intended to support essential services such as trash removal and maintenance in a city known for its intricate canal system. However, critics argue that the fee did not significantly alleviate the pressures faced by the city.

Throughout the 11-day trial period, an average of 75,000 visitors were recorded in Venice, exceeding the numbers of three indicative holidays in 2023 by 10,000 visitors per day. Giovanni Andrea Martini, an opposition city council member, cited city-provided cell phone data to support this claim. He concluded that the day-tripper fee was ineffective and branded it a failure.

Proponents of the program, including Simone Venturini, Venice's top tourism official, have expressed their desire to extend and reinforce the entrance fee. Plans are already being considered to double the fee to 10 euros for next year.

However, critics argue that the issue extends beyond the fee itself. Venice's narrow walkways and overcrowded water taxis remain persistent problems, hindering the livability of the city for its residents. They advocate for policies that encourage repopulation of the historic center and stricter regulations on short-term rentals. Currently, there are more tourist beds in the canaled historic center than official residents, with the number of residents at a record low of 50,000.

In addition to the concerns surrounding the day-tripper fee, activists have also raised questions about the city's system of electronic and video surveillance. Introduced in 2020 to monitor cell phone data, this surveillance system is central to controlling tourism. Protesters held banners expressing their worries about personal data use and the lack of data privacy.

While the pilot program may have provided a financial boost to the city, the ongoing debate surrounding its effectiveness and impact on the lives of residents highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to the challenges faced by Venice. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the day-tripper fee will evolve or be replaced by alternative measures aimed at balancing tourism demands with the preservation of Venice's unique culture and environment.