The UN cultural organization Unesco has decided not to add Venice and its lagoon to the list of world heritage in danger – contrary to its intention. The responsible UNESCO committee decided this on Thursday at its ongoing meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, the committee reiterated its concerns about the proper conservation of the northern Italian lagoon city, which was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Further progress must be made with a view to the threats posed by mass tourism and climate change.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro was pleased with UNESCO’s decision and emphasized in a statement that efforts had been made to protect the urban area. “The Venetians love their city and believe in its future.” Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano called the decision a “great victory for Italy and common sense.” The city of Venice has taken bold steps to control tourism and ensure the protection of world cultural heritage.
On Tuesday, Venice decided that short-term visitors would in future have to pay an entrance fee if it threatened to get particularly crowded. From next year, the new regulation will apply to day tourists who only stay for a few hours – but initially only on a total of 30 days, which experience has shown to be particularly busy. The local council has not yet set the exact dates. The fee is intended to prevent mass tourism from causing even more damage in the northern Italian lagoon city. There are similar plans for other top travel destinations around the world.