Venice, city where tourists float and locals sink

VENICE, the city of canals, gondolas and timeless romance, attracts an estimated 30 million tourists each year — a staggering number compared to the dwindling local population, now under 50000.

- BERNELEE VOLLMER

While it’s easy to see why the floating city is a global bucket-list favourite, Venetians say their home is at risk of losing its soul.

Famous for its grand palazzos, historic churches and dreamy gondola rides along the Grand Canal, Venice offers centuries of art, architecture and romance. But for locals, the day-to-day reality is far less picturesque.

Most housing has been converted into short-term rentals, shops cater to visitors instead of residents, and jobs outside the tourism industry have become scarce.

The situation echoes what has been seen in Spain, where local communities, especially in hot spots like Mallorca and the Canary Islands, have launched anti-tourism protests, urging foreign visitors to rethink their travel plans.