"Regulation of Venice's tourism flows, decorum and security are not exactly the responsibility of the region, but I want to tell everyone that the regional administration is willing to cooperate," Zaia said.
"It's no secret that I have been talking about planned numbers since 2010; Venice is a city-museum and I don't see why it cannot be subject to planning of arrivals and visits, something that new technologies make easier.”
The governor argued that if sites such as Pompeii or Versailles experienced overcrowding, a daily visitor limit would be implemented without hestitation.
While Zaia suggested that a booking system should give priority to people staying overnight and those attending conferences and other events, he also stressed that the limitation would be based on "numbers, not class".
"I want to say that those who come and eat a roll should not be discriminated with respect to those who choose a five-star hotel," he added.
Zaia also proposed that visitors be required to pay a small fee of 50 cents or €1 to help fund Venice's maintenance and conservation.
With ANSA
