Belgian tourist files complaint over 'rip-off' prices in Venice

A Belgian tourist has complained to the European Commission about exorbitant prices in the Italian city of Venice.

According to the Brussels Times, the tourist was not happy that a Venice resident only pays €1.30 for a vaporetto journey, while a non-resident splashes out 7 euros.

He also believes the fact museums in Venice are free for residents on Wednesdays is unfair, and complained that residents can get free Wi-Fi access by connecting to the Venezia Unica portal, while visitors have to pay 5 euros a day.

A visitor also has to pay 18 euros to enter the Doges' Palace, the Gothic structure that dominates St Mark's Square, whereas Venetians are allowed in for free.

Referring to articles 12 and 46 of the European treaties, the tourist's complaint says: "Venice is systematically and structurally violating the European treaties.".

The Daily Telegraph reports that the five-page dossier refers to payment "apartheid", which even applies to public toilets – tourists have to pay 1.50 euros to spend a penny whereas Venetians are charged 25 cents.

The complainant calculated that for a tourist family of four an average day spent sightseeing in Venice would cost 136 euros, whereas, in comparison, the same day out would cost locals just 12.40 euros.

Fiorin Franco, director general of Venetian transport services told La Stampa: "For transport we do not distinguish between tourists and residents, but among regular and occasional users. With the 'Venezia Unica' card anyone can pay €1.30 for a vaporetto."

However other people have defended price differences by saying that cheaper services are compensation for locals having to live in a city invaded by more than 20 million tourists a year.

According to The Local, Silvio Testa, a native Venetian and a leading protester against large cruise ships visiting Venice, said: "Tourism is a tsunami that devours the city.

"The double pricing system is the lesser evil, a small consolation for the 59,000 people who cling on to living in Venice, which is becoming like Disneyland."

The European Commission (EC) is now investigating the complaint.