Why Venice's cruising future could be at risk
It’s one of the most popular (and romantic) destinations in the world, but the Italian city of Venice has a huge problem that is threatening its very existence. And the worst part is that despite many efforts, there doesn’t seem to be a solution.
UNESCO is threatening to put the floating city on the World Heritage in Danger List after a committee rejected a solution favoured by environmentalists which would’ve significantly restricted the access of giant cruise ships to Venice.
Currently, anywhere from 500 to 600 ships enters from the Adriatic Sea to sale down the famous Canale della Giudecca and eventually dock in the port of Venice.
Environmental scientists want to build a floating port outside of the lagoon and bring passengers into town in smaller boats, but others argue this solution sacrifices the ecology of the lagoon and the physical future of Venice itself.
So for the moment, decision makers seem caught between a rock and a hard place.
“It’s a question of acting swiftly and guaranteeing the key role of the Stazione Marittima (the port in Venice)”, said the president of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia said.
What are your thoughts? Do you think cruising to Venice should be restricted?