“Luxury boating is the new frontier also for the economy”
VENICE Can Venice become an attraction for the large yachts that can be seen permanently in Montecarlo, Antibes or Palma de Mallorca? It could be, and it would be an alternative business to tourism that we know today, but for various reasons it is not. Even today, in fact, we are amazed when we see a large boat moored on the banks of the Seven Martyrs or at the Punta della Dogana, at the Zattere or at San Basilio. In other realities, this is normal and, in the case of Monte Carlo, it is pure a tourist attraction itself.
Two provided by the world’s leading yacht builders are these: the lack of knowledge of Venice as a nautical destination and the lack of assistance services and specialized shipbuilding on site.
STORYTELLING
It is precisely on these levers that the municipal administration is aiming or intends to aim for at least part of the extremely rich induced that the administration revolves around luxury boats. The confirmation comes from the Tourism Councilor, Simone Venturini.
«In fact – he explains – the Boat Show was also made to re-narrate Venice for luxury yachting and relocate it to the center of the nautical maps, from where it was quite out. Among other things, for years there have been controversies over the presence of boats on the banks of the Seven Martyrs and to this has been added the very long campaign against ships, which has so far prevented us from doing serious work on this front. With the boat show the aim was to combine Venice with luxury boating, some visitors are also owners of these boats and have been able to see the facilities we have. The narration is important, as is the work that some operators are doing ».
First of all, however, we need the mooring structures, be it temporary or permanent.
STRUCTURE
«With the marinas we have a good starting point – he adds – and so they are making an investment to welcome bigger boats. This both in Certosa and in Marina Santelena. Then we also need the infrastructure for storage and refitting. These are things that must come from private entrepreneurs, but if there are projects the Municipality is very interested in investigating, both in Marghera and in Fusina ».
MARITIME
There is also a theme linked to the future of some areas, such as the Marittima, which, following last year’s decree, can no longer accommodate cruise ships, except for a small minority due to tonnage limits.
For the future of this important place in the city, during the hearing in the Chamber’s Environment Committee, Admiral Piero Pellizzari had proposed a decision a few days ago to convert the Marittima to yachts.
«We think – concludes Venturini – that even if it should remain a reference for cruises, a part could be dedicated to services and moorings for yachts. It is a sector that we absolutely must cultivate, also because it generates a very deep supply chain ».
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