Venezia's overtourism debate: a resident's counterpoint
Olimpia Scappini, who heads Bre-VE, an organization for short-term rental owners in Venice, has reacted to Claudia Berti’s article about overtourism in the city from December 8. She argues that Berti misrepresents the situation, particularly regarding bed count, citing 48,951 for residents versus nearly 47,000 homes. Scappini rejects the idea that Venice is simply a lifeless place or completely overrun by tourists, stating that its problems predate tourism and stem from past housing policies, demographic changes, and economic factors. She also points out the omission of key cultural events like the Biennali and the Gallerie dell'Accademia's exhibition. Scappini calls for better housing policies and collaboration among all parties for sustainable tourism management.
Key facts
- Olimpia Scappini is president of Bre-VE, an association of short-term rental owners in Venice.
- Scappini responds to Claudia Berti's article 'Una città sopraffatta? Venezia e la sua lotta all’overtourism' published December 8.
- Scappini claims Berti's data on resident bed count (48,951) is incorrect; there are nearly 47,000 homes.
- Scappini rejects the binary narrative of a 'dead' city vs. a 'sold-out' city.
- Scappini notes that Venice's crisis predates global tourism and is due to housing policy, demographic decline, and economic transformation.
- Scappini criticizes the omission of the two Biennali and the Gallerie dell'Accademia exhibition on Pietro Bellotti.
- Scappini argues that large events are not parasitic but essential to Venice's appeal.
- Scappini calls for sustainable management, housing policies, economic diversification, and lagoon protection.
Entities
Artists
- Pietro Bellotti
Institutions
- Artribune
- Bre-VE
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
Locations
- Venezia
- Italy