Venice is one of the world's top tourist destinations, with a trip on many people's bucket lists. But it's also battling over tourism, with around 20 million tourists a year flocking to the unique lagoon destination. In the latest crackdown, it has banned large tour groups.
That's on top of charging a fee for people to visit on certain weekends. READ MORE: Eurostar train from London to Paris: Everything to know But Australian TV host and travel expert Kumi Taguchi reckons the Italian hotspot should be charging visitors more than the $8 (€5) fee. "The reason behind it is to try and deter people from travelling on the busiest days," Kumi tells 9Travel.
"On the day that I bought the pass, it didn't seem to deter people from going on a Saturday. I honestly think it's too cheap. "If you've spent thousand of dollars to get to Venice, does five or ten Euros make a difference?" However, Kumi says she spoke to politicians in the city, who say the tourist tax trial has been a success and next year it's likely to be implemented on more days.
The cost could also double to $16 (€10). Kumi, who features in the SBS Dateline episode The Death of Venice on August 13, says she feels the city is at a "tipping point," with residents feeling like it's not a place for them anymore. "Rooms available for tourists, it outnumbers the number of people living there," she tells 9Travel.
Capping the number of Airbnb's available would also be a good idea in her view. READ MORE: The hotspot dupes in Paris that are way less crowded than classic tourist attractions Kumi also met a fishmonger at the city's Rialto Market, which dates back 1600 years. He told her how the market is packed with tourists taking photos, not locals buying produce.
"He doesn't think he'll be able to necessarily live there anymore," Kumi says. READ MORE: Everything to know before you visit China Schools are even closing because there are not enough children to attend. However on the flip side are those who make a living from tourists - such as the Murano glass makers and gondoliers.
"The irony is tourism keens these traditions alive," Kumi says. What she experienced has had a lasting impact on how she views travel. "I came back with thoughts around what it means to be a tourist," she says.
"Do we deliberately travel outside of peak seasons and have some responsibility on knowing the pressure that cities are now under?".
