Venice, the picturesque Italian city known for its canals and rich culture, is in crisis. Overtourism and climate change – particularly increased water levels – are endangering the city. Because of the collapse, the local population has dwindled to less than 50,000 inhabitants. At the same time, the city attracts an estimated 30 million visitors each year. The tsunami of tourists has driven residents mad. They lament that their city has turned into a tourist playground and no longer a comfortable home for themselves.
From the recent protests against billionaire Jeff Bezos’ wedding—which the billionaire intends to hold in Venice—that’s changed. It’s getting enough national attention that thousands of outraged locals are raising their voice to the cause. They still intend to dam the city’s canals to retake their territory and stage a protest on water. Some critics contend those major events produce huge windfalls of cash. This is happening—and is destroying critical wetlands—at a huge cost to our environment and local community.
Overtourism’s Impact on Venice
Overtourism in Venice has resulted in very physical consequences. The city’s infrastructure is buckling under the strain from millions of visitors. Many Venetians lament that their picturesque city is being reduced to a mere “theme park,” where the priorities of tourists overshadow those of residents. As a local businessman succinctly put it,
“There’s not going to be another Venice.”
This feeling points to a new frustration among residents over what seems to be an ever-improving, ever-lovely city.
Alarmed by the effects of overcrowding and pollution, protests against mass tourism have erupted around southern Europe, with Venice leading the charge. The accompanying tides, exacerbated by climate change, add salt to the wound, putting the city’s existence in jeopardy. Residents claim that the double threat of overtourism and environmental destruction is causing irreparable harm. Critics contend that Venice is the poster child for a growing phenomenon that is threatening tourist meccas across the world. At the same time, local communities fight to maintain their character amid the onslaught of visitors.
The Local Response
Given these urgent crises, thousands of Venetians have flooded the streets to register their opposition. Protesters against Bezos’ wedding in Venice represent a new movement to take Venice back from the grip of corporate greed and mass tourism. Many residents perceive a disproportionate focus on tourists over the needs of the permanent community with the high-profile events.
The participants, mostly young people, have continued to make the case that the protests should just be a “meaningful gesture. Most importantly, they want to raise the plight of residents.”We wanted to make a meaningful gesture that says, ‘We see you, we value you and we want you here,’” shared a Vermonter involved in the activism.This quote illustrates the plea for acknowledgement, protection, and deference given to the local community in the face of growing visitation.
Local authorities are aware of these challenges and are seeking solutions to balance tourism with preserving the city’s integrity. Strategies are being discussed that could mitigate the impact of mass tourism while still allowing visitors to experience Venice’s unique culture and history.
A Broader Trend
Venice is not the only city to face such struggles, as many other European cities have been contending with the war on tourist for years. Cities from Barcelona to Amsterdam are already shouldering the burden of mass tourism on their infrastructure. In retaliation, local governments are making moves to limit the influx of visitors. The biggest complaint is that overtourism is transforming beautiful cities into staged tourist traps created for profit.
As Venice approaches this precarious turning point, its future is more unclear than ever. The city’s soul now truly hangs in the balance as it faces not only environmental threats but the repercussions of mass, inappropriate tourism on a short leash. Locals remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that meaningful changes will be enacted before it is too late.
