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Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Top European holiday spot urged to charge £86 a DAY to ‘stem obscene rivers of tourists'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN iconic European city is considering implementing a tourist charge to combat overcrowding. The popular destination welcomes around 30 million tourists each year and has already taken measures to "stem obscene rivers of tourists". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 An increase in the entry fee for day-trippers visting Venice has been proposed (stock image) Credit: AP A Venice businessman has now proposed the city introduce a €100 (£86) entry fee for day-tripping tourists. Setrak Tokatzian, who is the president of St Mark's Square resident's association, said the charge would help to combat what he called 'obscene' overtourism in the historic Italian city. As of right now, seven out of 10 visitors to only stay in Venice for a day, and often do not spend money in local shops. The city became the first metropolitan area globally to charge day-trippers an admission fee, which was introduced on 25 April 2024. Holidaymakers with hotel or Airbnb reservations within the city are exempt but other tourists have to pay €5 (£4.20) to visit. Significant increase The proposed €100 (£86) fee would be 20 times more expensive, aiming to deter tourists who do not contribute to the local economy. Tokatzian described Venice as being is in a 'state of calamity' in an interview with 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," he said. Tokatzian, who owns a jewellery shop in the city, called for the charge in order to stem the 'rivers of people' arriving in Venice. 'They move from one place to another, often guided by tour operators, boarding gondolas, hopping into taxis, rushing here and there, but no one buys anything," he explained. The tiny coastal village named the Venice of England is home to the country's best B&B He added that tourists who 'don't know what culture is' often bypass storefronts to spend money on 'illegal vendors' selling grain for pigeons and roses. A €5 (£4.20) to €10 (£8.35) levy was trialled between April and July this year. Last-minute tourists who made reservations less than four days in advance were charged the higher rate. Daytrippers visiting during peak hours, 8:30AM to 4PM, have to pay the daily fee. Meanwhile, overnight tourists with hotel reservations are exempt from the charge. Which? reveals the destinations that have highest and lowest amount of tourist Ten highest: Zakynthos (149,886.95) Istarska Zupanija (Istria in Croatia) (133,466.93) Fuerteventura (118,720.31) Lanzarote (117,785.17) Dodecanese Islands - Kalymnos, Karpathos – Iroiki Nisos Kasos, Kos, Rodos (113,790.45) Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37) Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (Salzburg Alps) (109,009.7) Cyclade Island group- Andros, Thira, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos (104,152.63) Kerkyra, Corfu (100,079.59) Außerfern, Austria (97,299.12) Ten of the lowest: Benevento (398.17) Rybnicki, Poland (351.1) Targovishte, Bulgaria (332.15) Arr. Soignies, Belgium (284.11) Podunavska oblast, Serbia (277.83) Severoistočen, North Macedonia (177.84) Olt, South West Romania (148.3) Călăraşi, South East Romania (123.97) Dytikos Tomeas Athinon, region near Athens (64.13) Teleorman, Romania (21.54) Tourists per square km (highest) Paris (418,280.1) Central Athens (88,534.92) Copenhagen (63,943.88) Tourists per square km (Lowest) Svalbard, Norway (2.4) Teleorman, Romania (1.21) Jan Mayen, Norwegian volcanic island (0) Most overnight stays (highest) Mallorca (51,193,029) Paris (43,919.010) Rome (41,135,744) Overnight stays (Lowest) Zasavska, Slovenia (22,990) Teleorman, Romania (6,983) Jan Mayen (uninhabited Norwegian island) (0) Exemptions are also granted to residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, and workers. Opposition to fees The proposal faces opposition as critics argue that such a high rate would not teach visitors 'respect'. The former president of the St Mark's Square association Claudio Vernier shared his thoughts on social media. 'To believe that an entry fee of €100 can solve this sick system is a pure illusion," he said. 'Asking 100 euros to enter does not educate the visitor. Doesn't teach them respect, doesn't make them more aware." He pointed out that charging such a high entry rate may work against the city. 'Those who spend a similar amount will expect a perfect, luxurious, frictionless 'theme park' experience — an expectation that cannot be met in a lively, historic, fragile city," he said. More on Venice And a recent discovery surrounding 'The Lion of Venice' statue has left people shocked. Plus, information on why Venice is sinking and when it will be underwater? Brits could face a fine of up to £250 ahead of new rules in the city.
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Top European holiday spot urged to charge £86 a DAY to ‘stem obscene rivers of tourists'
AN iconic European city is considering implementing a tourist charge to combat overcrowding. The popular destination welcomes around 30 million tourists each year and has already taken measures to "stem obscene rivers of tourists". A Venice businessman has now proposed the city introduce a €100 (£86) entry fee for day-tripping tourists. Setrak Tokatzian, who is the president of St Mark's Square resident's association, said the charge would help to combat what he called 'obscene' overtourism in the historic Italian city. As of right now, seven out of 10 visitors to only stay in Venice for a day, and often do not spend money in local shops. The city became the first metropolitan area globally to charge day-trippers an admission fee, which was introduced on 25 April 2024. Holidaymakers with hotel or Airbnb reservations within the city are exempt but other tourists have to pay €5 (£4.20) to visit. Significant increase The proposed €100 (£86) fee would be 20 times more expensive, aiming to deter tourists who do not contribute to the local economy. Tokatzian described Venice as being is in a 'state of calamity' in an interview with 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," he said. Tokatzian, who owns a jewellery shop in the city, called for the charge in order to stem the 'rivers of people' arriving in Venice. 'They move from one place to another, often guided by tour operators, boarding gondolas, hopping into taxis, rushing here and there, but no one buys anything," he explained. The tiny coastal village named the Venice of England is home to the country's best B&B He added that tourists who 'don't know what culture is' often bypass storefronts to spend money on 'illegal vendors' selling grain for pigeons and roses. A €5 (£4.20) to €10 (£8.35) levy was trialled between April and July this year. Last-minute tourists who made reservations less than four days in advance were charged the higher rate. Daytrippers visiting during peak hours, 8:30AM to 4PM, have to pay the daily fee. Meanwhile, overnight tourists with hotel reservations are exempt from the charge. Which? reveals the destinations that have highest and lowest amount of tourist Ten highest: Zakynthos (149,886.95) Istarska Zupanija (Istria in Croatia) (133,466.93) Fuerteventura (118,720.31) Lanzarote (117,785.17) Dodecanese Islands - Kalymnos, Karpathos – Iroiki Nisos Kasos, Kos, Rodos (113,790.45) Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37) Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (Salzburg Alps) (109,009.7) Cyclade Island group- Andros, Thira, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos (104,152.63) Kerkyra, Corfu (100,079.59) Außerfern, Austria (97,299.12) Ten of the lowest: Benevento (398.17) Rybnicki, Poland (351.1) Targovishte, Bulgaria (332.15) Arr. Soignies, Belgium (284.11) Podunavska oblast, Serbia (277.83) Severoistočen, North Macedonia (177.84) Olt, South West Romania (148.3) Călăraşi, South East Romania (123.97) Dytikos Tomeas Athinon, region near Athens (64.13) Teleorman, Romania (21.54) Tourists per square km (highest) Paris (418,280.1) Central Athens (88,534.92) Copenhagen (63,943.88) Tourists per square km (Lowest) Svalbard, Norway (2.4) Teleorman, Romania (1.21) Jan Mayen, Norwegian volcanic island (0) Most overnight stays (highest) Mallorca (51,193,029) Paris (43,919.010) Rome (41,135,744) Overnight stays (Lowest) Zasavska, Slovenia (22,990) Teleorman, Romania (6,983) Jan Mayen (uninhabited Norwegian island) (0) Exemptions are also granted to residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, and workers. Opposition to fees The proposal faces opposition as critics argue that such a high rate would not teach visitors 'respect'. The former president of the St Mark's Square association Claudio Vernier shared his thoughts on social media. 'To believe that an entry fee of €100 can solve this sick system is a pure illusion," he said. 'Asking 100 euros to enter does not educate the visitor. Doesn't teach them respect, doesn't make them more aware." He pointed out that charging such a high entry rate may work against the city. 'Those who spend a similar amount will expect a perfect, luxurious, frictionless 'theme park' experience — an expectation that cannot be met in a lively, historic, fragile city," he said. More on Venice And a recent discovery surrounding 'The Lion of Venice' statue has left people shocked. Plus, information on why Venice is sinking and when it will be underwater? Brits could face a fine of up to £250 ahead of new rules in the city.
Metro
31-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
'Sick' £86 daily charge proposed for European city visited by 30,000,000
Venice has been at the forefront of the long-running battle against overtourism, and in April 2024 the Italian city introduced a €5 (£4.20) fee for all day-trippers. The first-of-its-kind access fee was implemented in a bid to curb 'hit-and-run' tourists who flood the city for a few hours without staying overnight. Then, following a trial run, authorities doubled down, increasing the original €5 (£4.20) fee to €10 (£8.30) — but only for last-minute travellers who book less than four days in advance. The controversial charge has covered 54 days in 2025 — ending July 31, for thos visiting during the peak hours of 8.30am to 4pm. It started between April 18 and May 4 and then every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May to the end of July. This is up from 29 days in 2024. But now, a Venetian business man has proposed that the charge for tourists should be hiked even further — and it would seriously impact the purse strings of those heading to the city. Setrak Tokatzian suggested a hefty €100 (£86) entry fee for day-tripping guests, calling the scenes he's witnessed 'obscene rivers of tourists'. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Setrak, who is the president of St Mark's Square Association, had some harsh words when he spoke to local newspaper, Corriere del Veneto. '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,' he said. 'They move from one place to another, often guided by tour operators, boarding gondolas, hopping into taxis, rushing here and there, but no one buys anything', he added. It's estimated that around 30 million tourists visit Venice annually, with seven out of 10 (21,000,000 people) only staying for the day. But Setrak, who owns a jewellers in Venice, wasn't shy in sharing how he felt about those visitors, adding: 'I wonder, where are the nice people, the ones who care about the city, the ones who truly bring something to the city?' He added: 'These people don't even know what culture is.' While Setrak is not a law maker, local voices have been listened to when it comes to making decisions to curb tourism in Venice. And after the fee was doubled between 2024 and 2025, it remains to be seen what tourists could be expected to pay in the future. However, some argue the access fee doesn't actually do much to deter visitors, with Claudio Vernier, Strak's predeccessor as the pesident of the St Mark's Square Association, calling it a 'sick system'. Writing on Facebook he said: 'To believe that an entry fee of €100 can solve this sick system is a pure illusion.' He continued: 'The soul of the city is emptied, and with it the community that inhabits it. Asking €100 to enter does not educate the visitor. Doesn't teach them respect, doesn't make them more aware. 'On the contrary, those who spend a similar amount will expect a perfect, luxurious, frictionless 'theme park' experience — an expectation that cannot be met in a lively, historic, fragile city.' It goes without saying that Venice is deserving of its popularity, but other destinations around the world also offer a slice of similar charm. Tavira, in Portugal, has been referred to as 'the Venice of the Algarve'. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Ryanair axes all flights to three European destinations — including a winter break hotspot MORE: London airspace closure: Your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled MORE: Wizz Air launches 5 new Spanish routes from the UK – but not everyone is happy
The Independent
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
£86 entry fee proposed for day-trippers to holiday hotspot
A Venice businessman, Setrak Tokatzian, has proposed a €100 (£86) entry fee for day-tripping tourists to combat what he calls 'obscene' overtourism in the historic Italian city. Mr Tokatzian, the president of St Mark's Square residents' association, said that around 30 million tourists visit Venice annually, with seven out of 10 being day-trippers who often do not spend money in local shops. Venice became the first city globally to charge day-trippers an admission fee on 25 April 2024, although holidaymakers with hotel or Airbnb reservations are exempt. The proposed €100 fee would be 20 times more expensive than the current charge of €5, and would aim to deter tourists who do not contribute to the local economy. The proposal faces opposition, with critics arguing that such a high fee would not teach visitors 'respect'.
The Independent
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Calls to raise Venice entry fee to stem ‘obscene rivers of tourists'
A Venice businessman has proposed a €100 (£86) entry fee to stop day-tripping tourists from descending on the city without spending. Setrak Tokatzian, president of St Mark's Square residents' association, said that the historic Italian city is in a 'state of calamity' in an interview with local newspaper Corriere del Veneto. He said: '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 Venice. Around 30 million tourists visit Venice annually. Seven out of 10 stay only for the day. 'They move from one place to another, often guided by tour operators, boarding gondolas, hopping into taxis, rushing here and there, but no one buys anything', Tokatzian added. 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. On 25 April 2024, Venice became the first metropolis in the world to charge admission for daytrippers. An almost £90 fee would be 20 times more expensive for travellers than the usual €5 (£4.20) charge. A €5 to €10 levy was trialled between April and July this year, with last-minute tourists who make reservations less than four days in advance paying the higher €10 (£8.35) rate. Daytrippers visiting during peak hours – 8.30am to 4pm – have to pay the daily fee, while overnight tourists with hotel reservations are exempt from the charge. Exemptions are also granted to residents, Venetian-born visitors, students and workers. Not everyone agrees with calls to increase the Venice entry tax. Claudio Vernier, former president of the St Mark's Square association, wrote on social media that 'to believe that an entry fee of €100 can solve this sick system is a pure illusion'. Vernier said: 'Asking 100 euros to enter does not educate the visitor. Doesn't teach them respect, doesn't make them more aware. 'On the contrary, those who spend a similar amount will expect a perfect, luxurious, frictionless 'theme park' experience — an expectation that cannot be met in a lively, historic, fragile city.' Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, said: 'I was in Venice on the first day entry fees were charged, and it was clear that the €5 levy had no significant effect in reducing tourist numbers. 'Much higher fees would certainly have an impact, but to avoid means testing visitors, there must also be times of the year when admission is free.'
