For many, Venice is a dream destination. The “floating city” is an Instagram favourite, where beauty seems to spill from every corner. But beneath its picturesque surface lies a complex reality: a city on the brink, overwhelmed by tourism and emptied of its residents. Once a proud maritime power, Venice now sees around 30 million tourists per year, compared to a resident population of under 50,000.

Locals face soaring housing costs, a shrinking job market outside the tourism sector, and an increasing scarcity of shops and services for daily life. The overwhelming number of visitors — about 90% of whom are day-trippers — puts a strain on resources while offering little economic benefit to the community.