In the last years Padua, the Euganean Spas and the whole Province of Padua have been registering an ever-increasing rise in the number of tourist arrivals, thus becoming one of the most important tourist destinations at the national and international level. Already in 1989 the need to give visitors and tourists the possibility to visit the great artistic, monumental and natural heritage of the Paduan territory gave way to the launch of the so called "Biglietto Unico" (Unique Ticket), which offered free or reduced entrance to the most important Padua monuments. Since then, this ‘visitors’ pass’ has gradually evolved and in 2002 the first PadovaCard was established.
The earliest PadovaCard provided free or reduced entry to Paduan museums and monuments, free use of public means of transportation and other discounts and facilities on tourist services. Starting from January 2008, thanks to the important economic support of Regione Veneto, Provincia, Camera di Commercio I.A.A. di Padova, and the fundamental managerial and organizational role of Comune di Padova, APS Holding and Turismo Padova Terme Euganee, PadovaCard is available in two versions (48-hour and 72-hour version) and confirms an ever-increasing rise in the number of attractions, special offers, and overall pass value since it was introduced some 6 years ago. In PadovaCard promoters’ opinion the launch of this new version shows the importance of private and public organisations working together to benefi t the city’s tourism industry as a whole. The wide range of attractions that have signed up will encourage visitors to explore a wider range of visitor attractions and tourist services.