Venice is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with a trip on many people’s bucket lists.
But the country also struggles with overtourism, with around 20 million tourists flocking to the unique lagoon destination every year.
During the latest repression it has banned large tour groups.That’s in addition to charging a compensation for people who visit on certain weekends.
But Australian TV presenter and travel expert Kumi Taguchi believes the Italian hotspot should charge visitors more than the $8 (€5) fee.
“The reason behind this is to discourage people from traveling on the busiest days,” says Kumi 9Travel.
“On the day I bought the pass it didn’t seem to stop people from going on Saturdays. I honestly think it’s too cheap.
“If you spent thousands of dollars to come to Venice, does five or ten euros make a difference?”
However, Kumi says she has spoken to politicians in the city who say the tourist tax trial has been a success and will likely be introduced on more days next year.
The cost can also double to $16 (€10).
Kumi, which appears in the SBS Dateline episode Venice’s tourist overload on August 13, she says the city is at a “tipping point,” with residents feeling like it is no longer a place for them.
“The number of rooms available to tourists is greater than the number of people living there,” she says 9Travel.
She says limiting the number of Airbnbs available would also be a good idea.
Kumi also met a fishmonger at the city’s Rialto Market, which dates back 1,600 years.
He told her that the market is full of tourists taking photos, and not locals buying products.
“He doesn’t think he’ll necessarily be able to live there anymore,” Kumi says.
Schools are even closing because there are not enough children. But on the other hand, there are those who make their living from tourists, such as the Murano glassmakers and gondoliers.
“The irony is that tourism keeps these traditions alive,” says Kumi.
What she experienced has had a lasting impact on how she views travel.
“I came back with thoughts about what it means to be a tourist,” she says.
“Do we deliberately travel outside the high season and do we have any responsibility knowing the pressure cities are now under?”