The City of Venice has been fighting for years against mass tourism and its harmful consequences. But since the historic floods that submerged its city center last November, tourism has been at half mast. As the Carnival festivities approach, the mayor of the City of the Doges therefore calls on tourists to come back and stroll through its streets, which are colored for the occasion with an incalculable variety of traditional costumes and masks.
Venice has for years been confronted with mass tourism, with overcrowded streets, overpriced accommodation and a drop in the local population. If it can annoy some residents, tourism is however the main source of income for the beautiful Italian. The association for the safeguarding of cultural property, Italia Nostra, estimated that in 2016 30 million people had visited Venice and its lagoon, classified as World Heritage by Unesco, which represents an average daily influx of more than 82,000 people. . Last November, the Italian lagoon city had been hit by an exceptional tide. By November 12, the water level had reached 187 centimeters, the highest level ever reached in 33 years.
The floods have cooled travelers, many of whom have canceled their reservations, resulting in an unprecedented drop in tourist numbers. “It is also a good thing that Venice was somewhat neglected by tourists last year. It was even possible to book a hotel at the last minute“joked the mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro. However, with the approach of the famous Venice Carnival, he believes that it is time to bring tourists back.”Many believe that Venice is still under water. But it has, in fact, been completely restored and it is more beautiful than ever“, he said. The Venice Carnival takes place this year from February 15 to 25, 2020.
–
