For years, Venice has faced an almost existential crisis, as the unbridled success of its tourism industry threatened to ruin the things that have drawn visitors for centuries. Residents hope the crisis has also provided an opportunity to reimagine one of the world’s most fragile cities, creating a more sustainable tourism industry and attracting more full-time residents. Debates over how to manage tourism have always been heated in Venice and are especially fraught now. The mayor and tourism officials estimate it will be at least a year until tourists — who have numbered 30 million a year — return in any significant numbers. Brugnaro, the mayor, is hoping to send a signal of recovery by staging the popular Redeemer’s festival in July.

Source: ABC News May 16, 2020 07:51 UTC