Florence is exploring the idea of introducing a day-trip visitor ticket, inspired by Venice’s “entry fee” model; however, no formal decision has been made. The debate follows data revealing nearly 8 million day visitors in 2024, accounting for over half of the city’s tourism, and raising concerns about sustainability in the historic center.
Speaking at a mid-July meeting of Federalberghi, Italy’s National Association of Hotel Owners, Florence chapter president Francesco Bechi emphasized that tourists who don’t stay overnight or pay local tourism taxes are a major source of congestion without economic return. Overnight visitors, by contrast, contribute directly through local taxes and spending.
Most day‑trippers, Bechi noted, arrive on cruise or tour buses, snap photos, and leave. “Florence is a destination with a limited capacity for sustainability,” he said. “Overnight guests contribute directly while day visitors often do not.” He added, “We are not against tourism, but we need sustainable limits. Florence isn’t Venice, Rome, or Barcelona. Capacity is finite.”
Bechi proposed the creation of arrival hubs – designated areas where incoming visitors would receive or purchase a specific ‘day’ ticket. He said the aim is to protect residents’ quality of life and encourage more sustainable tourism flows.
Municipal tourism councillor Jacopo Vicini acknowledged the growing challenge but clarified that Florence has no plans yet to introduce an entry fee. Managing such intense foot traffic in a compact historic area, he said, remains “a complex challenge” that will require collaborative solutions.
Overtourism
Florence’s struggles with overtourism continue to mount. Local merchants increasingly report a shift toward “ground‑eating, snap‑and‑dash” visitors, with fewer tourists shopping or lingering in the historic center – many say turnover is even worse than during COVID.
At major cultural sites such as the Uffizi, recent changes to ticketing have also stirred controversy. A new public contract awarded to a different ticketing provider eliminated the former €4 online booking surcharge to improve affordability.
However, the change triggered protests over potential job losses for contracted workers and reduced efficiency and accessibility, especially during the peak season when technical delays and visitor confusion were reported.
Changes are also coming to how tourists move through the city. Starting October 15, Florence will ban rickshaws and golf carts from the historic center, replacing them with a maximum of 24 official white electric shuttles. The 8-seat vehicles (plus driver) must follow pre-approved routes and by April 1, 2026, will be required to carry a licensed tour guide or authorized tourism professional on board. Only the right-wing Lega party voted against the measure.
Florence Pass & Firenze Card
While separate from the day-ticket debate, Florence has also recently seen changes to its tourist admission tools:
The Firenze Card, the city’s official 72‑hour museum pass, offers access to over 60 museums, skip‑the‑line privileges, and an optional “Restart” extension to 5 days. The system is fully digital and managed via an app.
However, some travelers report confusion: for instance, Firenze Card holders still need to phone in advance to reserve time slots at the Uffizi and Accademia to access priority entry. Not all venues automatically include fast-track access.
The Florence Pass is a newer, private initiative offering digital access to major attractions in bundled packages of 3 to 11 tickets. But several unauthorized third-party “Florence Pass” websites have surfaced and are not endorsed by the city.
What’s Next?
| Policy status | Under discussion; no official legislation or system in place. |
| Possible features | A modest ticket for day visitors, possibly tied to arrival hubs such as coach drop-off points. |
| Goals | Encourage overnight stays, reduce congestion, and support sustainable tourism. |
| Challenges | Coordination among businesses, residents, and operators; equity for low-budget travelers; and integration with existing passes like the Firenze Card. |
Florentine officials and local hoteliers are cautiously considering new measures to manage tourism without sacrificing economic benefits. The day‑ticket remains a proposal, but it signals growing urgency in a city where low-spending day visitors now outnumber overnight guests.
As the conversation evolves, tools like the Firenze Card and Florence Pass will continue to play a role – but so will city planning, resident input, and political will.
About the Author
Christie Ann Barakat is a brand, marketing, and copy strategist with 20+ years of experience helping companies communicate with purpose and emotional intelligence across industries, platforms, and cultures. Visit her LinkedIn profile to read more about Christie.