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Overtourism: Italy is flooded with holidaymakers - new fees and extra costs
Holidays in Italy: popular and never particularly cheap. And yet Italy is being overrun by holidaymakers. While demand is rising, your next dream holiday to the land of pizza, pasta, limes and oranges could soon be significantly more expensive. Why? New fees for tourists and cost increases that could hit you unexpectedly.
The term ‘overtourism’ has increasingly become a favourite word among tourism managers in recent years - in Italy too. In 2023 alone, an incredible 60 million international holidaymakers flocked to the country. The infrastructure is particularly affected by the onslaught. Popular cities such as: Florence, Rome and Venice are feeling the effects enormously.
The Italian government has already considered various measures to alleviate the problem. In Venice, for example, a so-called ‘daily visitor fee’ has been under discussion for some time. This fee, which is to be 5 euros per person, has already been temporarily trialled and caused a great deal of resentment. Many see this as a measure to generate money instead of actually reducing the number of visitors.
Venedig - Italien
New fee system for overnight guests
Costs could increase not only for day visitors, but overnight guests will also have to be prepared for additional fees. According to the Italian government, a staggered fee system is currently being examined and could come into force in the coming months. Hotel accommodation could become up to 25 euros/night more expensive in some cases.
Florenz - Italien
The exact scales that are known so far:
* A fee of 25 euros is charged for rooms costing more than 750 euros per night.
* For rooms between 100 and 400 euros, the fee is 10 euros.
* An additional fee of 5 euros per night will be charged for rooms costing less than 100 euros.
These plans are intended to sensitise visitors. They should approach holiday resorts with a greater sense of responsibility.
One thing is already clear: holidays will be more expensive!
Tourism industry criticises the plans
However, there are concerns in the tourism industry. The new fees could potentially deter guests who decide against a holiday in Italy due to the rising costs. Some voices within the industry are already warning that such measures must be handled with caution in order not to put too much pressure on tourism.
Images: FREEPIK
