Per reports from various outlets, Tourism Councilor Alessandro Onorato and Mayor Roberto Gualtieri told local Italian media outlets this week that they were considering capping the number of daily visitors to the fountain in anticipation of the once-in-25-years event.
Over the course of one year, Roman Catholics will make a pilgrimage to the Vatican in Rome — an event expected to draw more than 30 million people.
An advance reservation system with fixed time slots and a capacity limit for both the fountain and the steps around it is being considered, according to reports.
Reuters reported that nonresidents, including tourists, would be charged $1 to $2 per visit; residents are excluded from the requirement. It is not clear when this system will be implemented, but Jubilee begins Dec. 24, 2024, and goes through Jan. 6, 2026.
Earlier this year, Venice, Italy, another popular tourist destination, announced plans to implement a permanent tourist tax. This announcement follows a one-month trial period last year when the city charged day-trippers 5 euros ($5.43) to enter.
Though the tax didn’t reduce visitor numbers as designed, it generated around 2.4 million euros (about $2.6 million) in additional income for essential municipal services. Barcelona also charges a regional tourist tax and a citywide surcharge for visitors.
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