The mayors of Venice and Florence, Italy's world-famous cradles of art and history, published plans on Monday to help them rebuild on a "new model" of tourism. The plans, set out in a nine-page booklet, include more policing and more funds for public transport, but also better regulation for guides and for short-term accommodation rentals.

The two cities urged the government to give them more powers to regulate the tourist industry when travellers eventually return. Even as most of Italy entered a new lockdown on Monday, Mayor of Florence Dario Nardella spoke of the need to look ahead to “a new model of tourism also linked to enhancing, promoting and protecting cities of art”.