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Venice tests a 5-euro fee for day-trippers as the city grapples with overtourism

The fragile lagoon city of Venice launched a pilot program to charge day-trippers an entry fee that authorities hope will discourage crowds on peak days and make the city more livable for residents.

VENICE, Italy — Under the gaze of the world's media, the fragile lagoon city of Venice launched a pilot program Thursday to charge day-trippers a 5-euro (around $5.35) entry fee that authorities hope will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Visitors arriving at Venice's main train station were greeted with large signs listing the 29 dates through July of the plan's test phase that also designated separate entrances for tourists, and residents, students and workers.

"We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,'' said Simone

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