As Venice continues to struggle with mass tourism, and post-pandemic numbers show no sign of decreasing, Unesco has sounded another warning bell.
The World Heritage Committee, which has listed “Venice and its Lagoon” on its World Heritage list since 1987, has drafted a resolution to add the city to its World Heritage in Danger list. It will be voted on in September.
The committee warned of “irreversible changes” to the city and lagoon, and “continuing deterioration due to human intervention, the impacts of climate change and mass tourism.”
It said that Italy has not done enough to preserve the area, citing a “lack of significant progress in addressing the complex issues.”
Venice’s overtourism problem is well known, with around 30 million visitors per year in a city of under 50,000 residents. Locals are increasingly deserting the city as the economy becomes ever more tourism-centric, while there is a housing shortage due to the thousands of Airbnbs in the city. A proposed tax on day trippers, mooted since 2019, has yet to be enacted.
Cruise ships were banned from sailing through the city center in 2021, but they are still allowed to dock in the lagoon – meaning that the ecological damage that they cause sailing through the shallow lagoon waters remains unchanged.
Unesco – which deals with the Italian state rather than the Venetian authorities specifically – said that there has been a “lack of significant progress” and a “lack of strategic vision” in tackling the urgent issues and called proposed measures “insufficient.”
The committee states that it hopes that adding it to the list will finally galvanize change. If added, it will keep its original World Heritage listing, too.
Melissa Conn, director of the Venice office at Save Venice, a non-profit that restores and preserves artworks in the city, agreed. “I don’t think this is a question of a right or wrong decision, but a statement that needed to be made to further underscore the fragile nature of Venice and its artistic patrimony,” she told Lonely Planet.
“The city and national government have taken great strides in the last two years to protect Venice, with the activation of the MOSE flood gates and new rules for the passage of cruise ships in Bacino San Marco [through the city center]. There is no easy solution, and addressing the difficulties that Venice faces will always have to be a priority for future administration.
“Venice should not give up hope.”
Valeria Duflot, co-founder of Venezia Autentica, which promotes sustainable tourism in Venice, said that she is in favor of adding the lagoon to the list.
She said it would “send a strong message to the world…that tourism and human economic activity driven by growth can destroy the
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
In Veneto lies a whole world of exploration beyond Venice. Discover the 10 best day trips from Venice, full of culture, history and natural beauty. From the Renaissance charm of Verona to the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda, each trip offers its own unique and unmissable experience.
Despite the heat and the crowds in Europe this summer, American Airlines is betting on continued demand for flights across the pond next year. The carrier announced a major expansion Thursday to its summer 2024 roster that will add three new destinations to its Europe lineup, one new route, and the resurrection of several flights it hasn’t operated since before the pandemic.
If you’re looking for a spring break that delivers culture, fine food and unforgettable art in equal measure, you might want to consider visiting Venice in April. Before you decide to take the plunge, arm yourselves with our guide to that very subject. It'll inform you about what to expect of the weather in Venice in April, and arm you with inspirational itinerary suggestions.
Thinking of visiting Venice in May? Great idea! But before booking your trip, read on to wise-up on what to expect, and what to do during this convivial month. Alongside running through the likes of what to expect from the weather in Venice in May, we also share some itinerary suggestions to inspire your Venetian voyage.
Considering visiting Venice for an unforgettable winter break? You’re in the right place to kick start your research! With info on everything from the weather in Venice in December, to what events you might get to enjoy, our guide will help you plan your trip. If that wasn’t enough, we also share some inspirational itinerary suggestions to further fuel your Venice travel plans in this most festive of months.
Venice, the enchanting city of canals, welcomes visitors year-round. However, it is in September that the city unveils its true charm. Bid adieu to the summer crowds and embrace a more relaxed atmosphere as you navigate the meandering canals and iconic landmarks. The weather in Venice in September adds to the allure, offering pleasant temperatures and a delightful ambience for your unforgettable experience.
Venture into the heart of Venice during the sizzling month of August and discover the city in all its vibrant glory. With cultural events and lively streets, this is the perfect time to experience the allure of the floating Italian gem. Before you set off on your adventure, here are essential weather and climate tips to help you make the most of your summer visit to this enchanting Italian destination. Here's our guide to the weather in Venice in August.
Keen to visit Venice outside its peak tourist season? Read our guide to visiting Venice in November, with weather and travel tips that’ll give you an idea of what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip. From what to expect of the weather in Venice in November, to what to expect in the way of festivals, this overview will stand you in good stead. In addition, we share some inspirational itinerary suggestions to further fuel your plans.
As months go, February doesn’t exactly inspire enthusiasm — the light of spring isn’t yet on the horizon, while seasonal excitement is but a dim memory. As a result, it is a top time to take a blues-banishing break. For example, you could plan a trip to remember by timing it to coincide with enchanting carnival taking place in Venice. We'll tell you all about the weather in Venice in February.
Thinking of taking a trip to Venice in October? Read this Rough Guide to visiting Venice in October, with weather and travel tips to help you wise up, and enhance your experience. From what to expect of the weather in Venice in October, to what to pack, we’ve got you covered. As a bonus, we also share itinerary suggestions that’ll make your trip all the more rewarding — guaranteed!
Thinking of visiting Venice for a winter pick-me-up? Read on for a run-down of everything you need to know about visiting Venice in January. It covers the weather in Venice in January, and what events you might get to enjoy during your trip, plus inspirational itinerary suggestions that’ll have you grabbing for your passport and suitcase.
Wondering what Venice is like in July? Read on to discover the answer to that very question. Alongside running through what to expect of the weather in Venice in July, we also share itinerary suggestions that’ll set you up to enjoy an unforgettable summer in Italy.