Italy has banned large cruise ships from entering Venice from August 1. The decision comes after the UN agency Unesco warned that the world heritage site could be classified as endangered unless the Italian government introduces a permanent ban on cruise ships docking in the lagoon, The Guardian reports.
Cruise lines are now being forced to exclude Venice from their itineraries until the industrial port in nearby Marghera is converted to accommodate passenger ships.
The ban on ships over 25,000 tons means that only smaller passenger ferries and cargo ships are allowed to use the Giudecca Canal to enter Venice's historic center.
”The regulation adopted today constitutes an important step towards protecting the Venetian Lagoon,” said a statement from Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s office.
Activists have protested against the large cruise ships, but there has also been counter-action from those who depend on the cruise industry.
Source: TT
