Venice bans cruise ships from centre

The idyllic Italian city will no longer be allowing cruise ships to enter the Giudecca canal (which leads to the historic St Mark's Square) to dock and unload passengers. Instead, large ships will now need to dock at the city's industrial port until a permanent solution is found.

Many applaud the new decision, as it will reduce pollution, erosion and flooding in the city centre. Indeed, while cruise ships have not recently been able to enter Venice due to Covid restrictions, Venice has reported improved water quality in the lagoons.

The importance of sustainable tourism initiatives cannot be undermined, and while this decision may cause some hang-ups for cruise operators in the future, recent reports note that post-pandemic travellers are increasingly keen to travel in a responsible and sustainable way, and tour guides are also actively promoting sustainable tourism routes.