The tax will be trialled for 30 days next year and will be applied to all tourists aged 14 and above. Those staying in the city for at least one night will be exempted.

“We have been hearing for 50 years that Venice is invaded by tourists and, after years of immobility, it’s now time we decided and did something tangible,” tweeted mayor Luigi Brugnaro on Wednesday night (13 September).

https://twitter.com/LuigiBrugnaro/status/1701901363523772510

It was confirmed last week the proposal would be put to a vote.

The trial comes after Unesco earlier this year warned Venice might be added to a list of World Heritage sites at risk of “irreversible” damage from overtourism.

Nevertheless, the move was met by a staunch opposition, with critics claiming €5 is too little to discourage overtourism.

According to Italian media, the proposal was approved by Venice city council after some six chaotic hours of deliberation, which saw Brugnaro and the opposition go head to head. 

“I understand sceptics but those who do nothing don’t help the city,” the mayor added.