Cruise industry welcomes the decision by the Italian Government on a long-awaited alternative route for ship access to the city of Venice (Euro)

The Government decision will direct cruise ships to serve Venice through the city’s primary port, Marghera.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) welcomes the decision by the Italian Government to make available a long-awaited alternative route for cruise ships to access Venice.  The industry has long supported the need for an alternative to what until now has been the one and only existing route – the Giudecca Canal – and we are pleased to be now moving in the right direction. 

The cruise industry has over the years cooperated with national and local authorities constructively as authorities have searched for a sustainable solution to this long-standing and complex challenge.  Marghera, historically Venice’s primary port, can certainly look to host passenger traffic to complement its other current uses as an entry point to Venice and the entire Veneto region.

Commenting on the announcement, Francesco Galietti, CLIA Italy National Director said: 

“We are pleased that the Italian Government has taken this decision on an alternative route as the cruise industry has been supportive of a new approach for many years. The Government’s decision to appoint a special Commissioner to fast track the process is also a welcome development.  

We now look forward to progress being made towards the provision of alternative docking arrangements at Marghera port in time for the 2022 season.”

The cruise industry provides a significant contribution to national economies. In Italy alone, the cruise sector generates a turnover of €14 billion every year, supporting over 120,000 jobs (direct and indirect).