by In Trieste
Venice is once again studying a proposal to introduce an entry fee system to control the flow of crowds as tourists return to the canal city.
The controversial plan, which had been due to take effect last year but was postponed due to the coronavirus, is now back on the table and could come into force between summer 2022 and 2023.
The system would require tourists to book and pay online for their visit to the city where, on arrival, they would enter via electronic turnstile gates at key access points in the historic center, such as at the railway station and St Mark’s Square.
The contentious plan remains a source of division among those living and working in Venice.
As Italian newspaper La Stampa puts it, supporters of the proposal say it would treat Venice with the respect associated with a museum, while critics say it would turn the lagoon city into a theme park.
