Iconic city overrun by tourist hordes: ‘Hell’ on earth for residents
For years, visitors have flocked to Venice, Italy, to marvel at its stunning canals, ornate bridges, and breathtaking piazzas. But a growing number of residents have had enough of the city’s tourism boom, declaring that it’s become a “hell” on earth.
Complaints from long-term residents include chronic noise pollution, overcrowding, and environmental damage. Local business owners, too, are struggling to keep up with the influx of visitors, describing the situation as a “catastrophe” for the environment and the community.
The trouble began in the 1990s, when Venice’s canal-based tourism industry started to take off. Since then, the number of visitors has grown exponentially, with millions now flocking to the city each year. The statistics are staggering: in 2019, over 11 million tourists visited Venice, a 2,000% increase from 1980.
Rise in tourism has brought an array of problems. The city’s narrow streets are now congested with pedestrian traffic, while the canals are clogged with large boats and water buses, causing sewage and waste issues. The noise pollution is so bad that some locals can’t sleep at night due to the constant din.
Environmental concerns are also growing. With the canal’s water quality deteriorating and raw sewage pouring in, concerns are being raised about the health risks to both visitors and residents. The city’s famous St. Mark’s Square, once a haven for relaxation, is now often filled to capacity, preventing locals from accessing the area.
In a last-ditch effort to curb the tide of tourism, authorities have implemented a number of measures, including limiting boat sizes and restricting camper van access. However, many argue that these measures do not go far enough, and that more drastic action is needed to protect the city and its residents.
As the debate rages on, Venice’s residents are left wondering if the city that once offered a unique and peaceful experience will soon be lost forever, replaced by a cacophony of noise and chaos. For now, it seems like the iconic city is facing an uncertain future, trapped in a vicious cycle of mass tourism.