People ride on a gondola as the municipality prepares to charge tourists up to 10 Euro for entry into the lagoon city, in order to cut down the number of visitors, in Venice, Italy, September 5, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri/File Photo)

The fee will be applied on a trial basis on 30 days next year, focusing mainly on spring bank holidays and summer weekends when tourism numbers are at their peak. All visitors over the age of 14 will have to pay it.

The aim was to find "a new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city," Venice tourism councillor Simone Venturini said.

It is not a money-making move, he added, saying the fee would only cover the cost of administering the scheme.

The exact dates of the plan and how it will be run will be agreed after final council approval, which is expected next week.