VENICE is a popular stop for many cruise liners, but not without controversy.
Italy has now banned large-sized cruise ships from docking in the major tourist hotspot by enforcing tighter regulations on port entryways.
Cruises, including popular Mediterranean routes, have been making a stop at Italy’s Venice for many years.
Many people adore this destination, and it is often one of the most visited in any given year. However, from August 2021 cruises will no longer be able to visit.
Following the latest announcement, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to stop at Venice lagoon.
Italy’s new rule is finally going into effect after years of speculation.
During busy cruise periods, before the coronavirus pandemic, ships docking in Venice overwhelmed residents and culture bodies.
The ban aims to preserve the Italian city’s ecosystem and heritage.
According to cabinet sources, pressure from various groups was the driving force behind this decision.
The United Nations culture organisation UNESCO reportedly threatened to put Italy on the blacklist if liners were not banned from the area due to increased environmental risks.
Those who are eager to step foot in Venice will have only a few days left before the ban on cruises comes into effect.
Although while travel restrictions are still in place, it is unlikely many cruise passengers will be heading to the World Heritage site any time soon.
Starting August 1st, only ships that weigh less than 25,000 tonnes will be granted access into the Giudecca Canal that leads past the famous landmark Piazza San Marco.
On average, cruise liners weigh four times the new limit at up to 200,000 tonnes (or 440 million pounds).
This means that only small passenger ferries and goods vessels will be able to have access to the canal.
For years, activists have been fighting for the right to protect Venice by preventing cruise ships from docking at their historic city.
Those campaigning have claimed the ships were to blame for increased pollution, which in turn has affected Venice’s delicate buildings and ecosystem.
However, it has still been frequently visited on cruise routes as it has always remained popular among tourists.
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini praised the decision in a post on social media, writing “I am proud of a commitment that had been honoured.”
comments on the post read: “About time” while another said, “This is important.” A third wrote, “Those giant ships barely fit through Venice. They never belonged there!”
