Chaos in ‘most beautiful city’ so overcrowded locals want tourists charged £87 to enter

By Lauran O'Toole, News Reporter

Venice is debating introducing a £87 entry fee (Image: Getty)

A businessman in the world’s ‘most beautiful city’ is calling for a £87 entry free to combat what he calls “obscene” overtourism. Setrak Tokatzian, president of St Mark’s Square residents’ association says the beautiful city of Venice is in a “state of calamity”.

He told local newspaper Corriere del Veneto: “This tourism is obscene. There's a complete explosion of overtourism like never before, with a type of people wandering around without entering shops or even knowing where they are.” Tokatzian, a jewellery shop owner, called for the charge in order to stem the “rivers of people” arriving in the historical Italian city. However, the bold claims have prompted a row among locals who fear the strict measures would turn the historic city into a ghost town. 

Tokatzian says the measure is needed to stem the 'rivers of people' (Image: Getty)

Tokatzian proposed charging visitors a drastic €100 (£87) each, far higher than the €5 to €10 levied on day-trippers this year under an experimental scheme trialled between April and July. 

The fee was introduced for for travellers who book less than four days in advance, which impacts day-trippers who go between 8.30am and 4pm. 

The residents’ association president said that tourists who “don’t know what culture is” often bypass storefronts to spend money on “illegal vendors” selling grain for pigeons and roses

Approximately 30 million tourists visit Venice annually. Seven out of 10 stay only for the day. Venetian hotels, apartments and B&Bs hosted 13.3 million stays last year, a 5% rise on 2023 and a new record.

Tokatzian has called the tourism numbers 'obscene' (Image: Getty)

Venice is widely described as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Its intricate network of canals, navigated by the iconic gondolas, crisscrosses through 118 islands linked by 472 bridges.

Heather Green, head of Italian tour operator Citalia, described Venice as “the perfect destination where romance feels woven into the very fabric of the city".

Heather said: “Venice offers a romantic atmosphere that feels both magical and timeless, with its enchanting canals, iconic gondola rides, cobbled streets and charming alleyways.

"The city’s blend of grand historic architecture and quieter corners creates the perfect backdrop for couples to connect. It’s no wonder that Venice has been the setting for countless love stories throughout history.”