How to save Venice from 25 million tourists per year? Services at 15 minutes and water stations

The growth of tourism supports the economy, but also has heavy side effects: from impact on the territories to the cost of rents, to the lower quality of the work. The new (and robust) orientations of tourist demand cause profound distortions that a massive movement of men and women from their homes generates in the most coveted locations. We have now internalized the expression – « Overurism » – which describes the excess of demand and risks that the offer runs (Dario Di Vico had written here by analyzing the reasons). And we have to deal with it, especially for the jewel that envies us all over the world: Venice.

The entrance ticket

The city overlooking the lagoon will experiment from Friday 18 April, for the second consecutive year, an entrance ticket. It costs 10 euros per day, unless you proceed to pay 5 euros up to the fourth day preceding the visit. Those who want to register can do it on the site https://cda.ve.it/it/ which provides all useful information. 2025 includes a total of 54 paid days, instead of 29 of 2024. The period includes four months.

The dates of the compulsory

In April a single block from April 18 (Holy Friday) to May 4th. In May we continue with weekends (from Friday) 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 ​​and 30.31. In June 1-2. 6-8 and 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29. Similar scan in July: 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27. The contribution is due in the time slot between 8.30 and 16. To simplify the registration, access to the portal via Spid, electronic identity card and national service card was introduced. The will is to reduce tourist flows to make Venice breathe. Returning them balance.

Are we demonizing tourism?

So, we are going from one extreme to the other, From a romantic and simplified conception of travelers’ flows to their demonization? And then: how does a stagnant economy like ours put in default the resources moved by the mass of tourists who crowd the beautiful country? Of course Venice is a unique school case in the world. Every year over 25 million tourists visit it, but more than 70% of them remain in the city only for a few hours. The result is enormous pressure on infrastructure, ecosystem and quality of life of residents. A study by the Boston Consulting strategic consultancy firm analyze (and has) a series of ideas so as not to demonize tourism, but also to make that structural fragility sustainable on which the city is resting.

Some numbers that report the urgency

On the other hand, the reflections are very urgent: emissions related to tourist mobility could increase by 25% by 2030, reaching 2 billion tons of CO₂ per year. Every day, about 100,000 motor boats cross the Venetian channels, accelerating the erosion of the foundations and contributing to water pollution. Not only that. From 2011 to 2019, the souvenir stores went from 2 to 155, while the artisan shops have fallen by 34% since 1992. The real estate market follows the same trajectory: between 20% and 30% of the buildings of the center are now intended for short rents, often managed through digital platforms. A dynamic that has eroded the stable and reduced housing offer the proximity services.

The actions to be taken

This is why Boston Consulting’s study (At this link you can download it to full pdf) proposes three strategic levers: management of flows and short rents; circular infrastructures and mobility; Digital technologies to monitor flows and offer low impact experiences. First of all, the management of flows and protection of the urban fabric is needed through a controlled access systemto distribute visitors more balanced and generate resources for the city. Strengthening the regulation of short rents and introducing commercial zoning measures would allow to encourage the repopulation of the historic center and protect the economic and cultural identity of the city.

The use of Refill Station for water

Circular infrastructures and sustainable mobility are also needed thanks to electrical public transport and the promotion of shared mobility, which would allow to cut emissions. The adoption of an advanced plan for waste management, with incentives for the use of recycled materials and installation of Refill Station for watercould reduce plastic consumption by 36%. Useful the adoption of the model of the « city with 15 minutes », focusing on the decentralization of services and on the enhancement of less central areas, could not only improve the quality of life of the residents, but would also help reduce pressure on the most congested areas.

Immersive technologies

Some digital technologies for intelligent tourism must be contemplated: artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) can monitor the flows of visitors in real time and suggest alternative paths, decongesting the most crowded places. The blockchain could then certify sustainable purchases, while the increased reality would offer immersive experiences with low physical impact On the most delicate sites, such as the Basilica of San Marco or the Rialto bridge.