Venice, Italy is one the world's top tourist destinations. Before the coronavirus pandemic, 20 million visitors a year visited the city. This caused many problems such as pollution cruise ships and overcrowding. To deal these problems, city officials are planning to charge tourists to visit the city's historical centre and its beautiful canals. According to Italy's La Stampa newspaper, entry Venice could cost three euros ($3.50) and 10 euros. This could start the summer of 2022. There are also plans to set a limit the number of visitors who can enter the centre each day. Tourists may need to book their visit to Venice they go.
Venice officials have talked many years the number visitors flocking to the city. Environmentalists are worried about the damage cruise ships do to marine life the Venice Lagoon. Heritage lovers want to protect Venice's famous squares and architecture the millions tourists. This made Italy's Culture Minister say that there is a "concrete risk" the United Nations culture agency UNESCO adding Venice to its list of World Heritage Danger sites. However, a hotel worker said Venice needed cruise ships. He said: "They spend big a short time, sailing out." A city official is worried that charging tourists a fee to enter will turn Venice a "theme park".
