Venice is exploring the possibility of expanding its tourist entry fee to apply for a longer period of the year and increasing the daily cost to as much as €30, according to Michele Zuin, a senior city official. The current fee ranges from €5 to €10 and was introduced to manage the city's heavy tourist traffic. However, officials say it has not been enough to reduce overcrowding during peak times. While the new pricing model, set to take effect in 2027, is still under discussion, there has been mention of potentially raising the fee even higher—up to €50—though the final amount may be capped at €30. The proposal requires approval from the national government. Venice’s new mayor, Simone Venturini, previously stated that the current 10-euro fee has not effectively discouraged visitors on the busiest days. Instead of a flat increase, Venturini proposed a surge-pricing system, where the fee would rise depending on how many people are visiting on any given day. This approach aims to reduce congestion during high-demand times while still allowing access to the city for those who come during less busy periods. The tourist entry fee, introduced in 2024 as a unique global initiative, applies only to day-trippers who visit Venice without staying overnight. Those who book in advance can pay a lower rate, and certain groups, such as children under 14, are exempt from the charge. In 2026, the system was in effect from April 3 to July 26, with fees collected between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. During that period, nearly 680,000 tickets were sold, generating over €5.2 million in revenue for the city. City officials argue that the fee helps spread out tourist visits and reduces pressure on Venice’s historic sites and infrastructure. The system is designed to encourage visitors to come during off-peak times, such as avoiding holidays like May Day, when the city is typically overwhelmed by crowds. While the proposed changes may face debate, the goal remains to balance tourism with the preservation of Venice’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.