The early morning sun reflects on the vaporetto window. As the boat gently vibrates with the gentle sound of lapping water and the low sounds of the engine starting and stirring the waters of Venice’s lagoon, you know you’re in for a treat. As your boat sets off through Venice’s winding canals, you’ll be rewarded with stunning historic views of the Rialto Bridge and Basilica di San Marco.
The only downside is that you’ll be sharing the trip with a bunch of people, hoping that some of them will get off at the next stop and get that coveted seat up front for the best video footage. A few years ago, it was rarely crowded at this time of the morning, and you could almost easily find a seat near the front of the boat. Today it’s not so easy.
Venice tourism
Venice is a city that has fascinated people from all over the world since ancient times. Enchanting canals, winding cobblestone streets, great food, And given its historic charm, it’s not hard to see why people flock to the city in droves. But this is exactly what is causing trouble in the romantic city. Although it can be unpleasant to struggle through a crowded crowd while dragging your luggage; Hotelexcessive tourism is causing more problems than just passing through sweaty bodies and being uncomfortable.
according to UNESCO, efforts to combat the problem have been ineffective and are considering adding Venice to the list of sites in danger. This is not the first time this issue has been raised. Overtourism threatens the cultural heritage of cities, the environment and the well-being of local residents.
Social and cultural influences
Venice’s local population is gradually decreasing. Various factors, primarily the emphasis on mass tourism, contribute to this departure, resulting in the population being overshadowed by the crowds of tourists that fill the squares, bridges and narrow alleys every day. When a city is made up entirely of tourists, it loses its authenticity. It started to feel more like a theme park than a city.
Venetia.com, an advocacy organization dedicated to preserving Venice’s cultural heritage, has been closely monitoring the city’s declining population trends. In 2022 the population will fall below 50,000 people. In the 1950s, it was about 120,000. The group argues that “when the population falls below 50,000, it is no longer possible to define a ‘city’ in the full sense of the word.” (translated from Italian).
Venetia’s mission was to get the government to listen and do something about this continuing problem.
Environmental impact
Venice attracts 500,000 tourists in its lowest month and 1.4 million in its highest month, most of them concentrated in the area around San Marco. Hotel pollution, littering, sewage and chemical waste have a major impact on the environment. Ironically, overtourism undermines the experiences tourists seek. Long lines, crowded streets, and crowded tourist attractions reduce the fun of exploring the city’s rich history and unique atmosphere. But this still attracts a crowd.
Venice’s tourism industry generates a large amount of income, so some local managers and foreign investors are taking advantage of this situation to focus on vacationers and make large profits. Meanwhile, authentic local initiatives and stores face competition brought on by soaring rents, a continuing decline in the local population, and tourist establishments that lure visitors with cheap, mass-produced goods. and is facing a difficult situation.
Economic realities and solutions
Since industrialization began in this region hundreds of years ago,aqua alta It is becoming more prevalent due to coastal subsidence and rising sea levels. With the use of flood gates known as MOSE, sea level rise is finally being contained. After 40 years of construction, the floodgates will begin operation in 2022.
Another recent change was to ban cruise ships from entering the port. A few years ago, you turned a corner and were faced with a towering nautical scene obscuring the city skyline. These heavy ships moved sediment in canals and lagoons, which required dredging. Currently, most cruise ships dock in Marghera Porto on mainland Italy.
Another measure to reduce the number of tourists was the introduction of entrance fees. This has been discussed for many years, but finally came into effect in January 2023. A person arriving from the mainland will have to pay a fee of 3 to 10 euros. This amount is determined by the current population of Venice. For example, on a “green” sticker day, the price will be 3 euros. If there is a large population, it is considered a “black” sticker day and there is a fee of 10 euros.
UNESCO endangered species list
Currently, 55 World Heritage Sites are on UNESCO’s Endangered List. The next meeting will be held in October 2023, and Venice is invited to submit nominations to be added to the list. This is not the first time UNESCO has considered adding Venice. Venice was not included in the 2021 classification due to the ban on cruise ships.
The preliminary proposal argues that further progress is needed in addressing ongoing complex challenges, particularly those related to mass tourism, development efforts, and climate change. The draft resolution states that these concerns result in the deterioration and damage of buildings and urban areas, impairing the cultural and social essence of the property and endangering the integrity of its cultural, ecological and landscape character and principles. He pointed out that it would be exposed.
What does the future hold?
Faced with over-tourism, Venice is at a critical crossroads. Ignoring this urgent issue will further jeopardize the city’s precious heritage, community well-being and delicate environment. Securing Venice’s future will require a collective effort from policymakers, businesses and tourists.Implementing responsible tourism practices, limiting visitor numbers and promoting tourism alternative destination This is an essential step to preserving the Venice we know and love.
Venice is one of 1,157 places currently recognized as World Heritage Sites, distinguished by a cultural or natural significance of exceptional universal value.
What you can do to support Venice
The obvious answer is to stay away, but many people will still want to visit this beautiful and historic city at least once. If so, be sure to use the services of local people and local artisans when purchasing gifts. From November he travels in the non-peak season until May. Sure, you might need to pack a jacket and boots, but that doesn’t take away from the city’s beauty.Maybe you should avoid Christmas too. carnevale Di Venice season.
If you seriously want to spend time in Venice, don’t come by cruise ship. They are currently off base, but most only stay for a short period of time. Spend at least three days exploring lesser-known areas. Avoid Airbnb and try something else Private lodging — Demand for this type of accommodation means higher real estate prices, pushing locals out of the market. Stay somewhere other than San Marco. Vaporetto systems are extensive and allow you to travel comfortably.
This article was created and distributed by Wealth of Geeks.
