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Venice tourism tax comes into force 24 August
The much discussed Venice accommodation tax will come into force shortly.
Just as in Florence, the tax will be calculated as one Euro per star, per night, per person for a maximum of five nights.
There are however reductions and exemptions. Guides with groups of 25, drivers and under- 10s will be exempt, as will youth hostels and any accommodation owned by the city council. There is a 50% reduction for 10-16 year olds inclusive.
There will also be a differentiation between the centre of Venice (including the Lido), the islands and the mainland (such as Mestre and Marghera). For hotels on lagoon islands there will be a 30% reduction and 40% for the mainland. On top of this, during low season there will be a 50% reduction across the board.
ETOA says it has received no exact details as yet with regards to how the money raised will be reinvested. The Association has called for better consultation with the industry and a timetable that respects business cycles.
The initial estimate of 24-26 million euros a year has been downgraded to around 20 million
It is claimed the tax will help infrastructure as well as all Venice’s cultural monuments.
The tax takes advantage of a recent federal law, which allows communes to introduce such 'targeted taxes'. Local hotel associations and trade body ‘Confinmercio’ have expressed their opposition.
In a recent effort to raise money, Venice has sold advertising hoardings on major tourist sites.
Says UK based Venetian and travel trade personality Angelo Carraro: "OK, so Venice is levying tourists a puny $3/4 a day! “What else can one do? 20 million visitors a year is too many."
Valere Tjolle: Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE
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