Maureen Kaye S.
De Vera
UP-FA2-BSTM2-04
The Economic Effects of Tourism in Venice, Italy
Mass tourism has had a detrimental economic impact on the charming Italian city of Venice, which is
known for its canals and ancient architecture. The adverse outcomes comprise:
1. Overcrowding: The increase in visitors has resulted in crowding in Venice's popular sites and its
small streets. Residents' quality of life is reduced, and wealthy tourists looking for an exclusive
experience may be turned away by this.
2. Rising Housing Costs: The demand for Airbnb lodging and vacation rentals has increased local
residents' rents. Residents find it more and more difficult to afford city living as a result of this
problem.
3. Loss of Authenticity: As Venice becomes increasingly tourist-oriented, chain stores and souvenir
shops are replacing local shops and companies. The city is at risk of losing its distinctive identity.
4. Small, locally owned businesses find it difficult to compete with huge tourist-oriented firms, which
results in closures and a loss of community identity.
5. Dependence on Tourism: Due to Barcelona's economy's growing reliance on tourism, it is now
extremely susceptible to both internal and external shocks, such as the COVID-19 epidemic.
(https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/apr/30/sinking-city-how-venice-is-managing-europes-worst-
tourism-crisis)
Considerations on Remediation
Stakeholders, including the local community, government, and the commercial sector, should act jointly
to reduce the documented negative economic impacts of tourism in Barcelona:
1. Local Community:
Encourage local groups to get involved in tourist projects and provide genuine, distinctive
experiences. This can provide new streams of income and lessen reliance on powerful tourism
businesses.
Affordable Housing Advocacy: Create or join advocacy groups to promote laws to safeguard
affordable housing and restrain the growth of short-term rentals should cooperate.
2.Government:
Invest in diversifying the local economy by supporting industries other than tourism, such
manufacturing, green energy, and technology. As a result, there may be more year-round, steady
work options.
Enforce stronger rules on short-term holiday rentals to lessen distortions in the housing market.
Set occupancy restrictions and taxes regulations that are advantageous to the neighborhood.
3. Private Sector:
Develop ties with neighborhood companies to help them attract tourists as you support your local
economy. In order to draw eco-aware travelers, emphasize authentic experiences and distinctive
products.
Enhance seasonal workers' working conditions by providing benefits, training, and year-round
employment prospects in the tourism industry.
Invest in Infrastructure: Private sector organizations should make investments in environmentally
friendly infrastructure to minimize pollution and traffic, increasing the city's allure to tourists and
locals alike.
Stakeholders can assist Barcelona in striking a balance between the need to maintain affordable
housing, lessen traffic, and diversify the local economy, as well as the economic advantages of tourism,
by working together on these efforts. A more resilient and sustainable economic model for the city may
result from this cooperative strategy, which would be advantageous to both locals and tourists.
