Since tourism emerged
as a serious industry in Venice during the days of the Grand
Tour during the nineteenth century, it has become an increasingly
important part of the economy. It now plays an essential role in
the economic fortunes of the city whose non-tourist related industries
and trading importance have never really recovered from the demise
of the Venetian Republic and the mercantile and
trade success that went with it.
It is perhaps Venice’s greatest tragedy that
the city that once lorded over much of the Mediterranean and virtually
had a stranglehold on southern Europe’s maritime economy,
is now such a sad parody of its former self, a tourist theme park
that relies on the hard currency of the very visitors who can make
it unbearable at the height of summer. Put simply, Venice
would die without its 15 million annual tourists, who literally
keep the city afloat with their money providing over 70 per cent
of the city’s income and over 50 per cent of the local jobs.
Shopkeepers, hoteliers and restaurateurs all depend on tourism to
survive. Sadly, though, this over-reliance on tourism, and the high
cost of buying and maintaining property, is driving young people,
who are needed to stimulate alternative growth, away from the city.
In recent years, there have been mutterings about trying to limit
the number of visitors, especially some of the day trippers who
contribute little to the city in economic terms. But any decrease
in tourist revenue could see the city’s unemployment levels,
which are currently around 8.5 per cent, rise in line with the national
average of 10 per cent or above. Any attempts to limit numbers have
been somewhat overshadowed in recent years with the September 11
attacks and the second Gulf War hitting tourist numbers. The Moses
project is certain to boost spin-off construction industries for
the foreseeable future, taking some of the emphasis off tourism.
For the moment, though, tourism still reigns supreme in Venice
itself, while the ‘real’ industries have already moved
out to Mestre and Porto Marghera
on the mainland.
The main economic activity in these heavily industrialised areas
is chemical, petrochemical, engineering,
textiles and, in one throwback to the halcyon days of the
Venetian Republic, shipbuilding.
One of the few positive spin-offs of tourism is that the traditional
industries of glass blowing on the lagoon island of Murano
and of lace making on the nearby island of Burano
are kept alive.
There are few major international companies based in Venice.
Big hotel groups, such as Starwood and Best
Western, have a strong presence in the city, as well as
fast-food outlets, like McDonalds and Pizza
Hut. There are no major financial institutions, banks or
the like based in Venice.
The Commitato Venezia Vuole Vivere, Via Brunacci (telephone number:
(041) 549 9111; fax number: (041) 935 952), is able to assist with
setting up both businesses and business contacts.
Venezia
Fiere, Campo San Polo (telephone number: (041) 714 066; fax
number:(041) 713 151; e-mail: vefiere@veneziafiere.it),
provides information on all conference and trade fairs held in the
Veneto Region and can also assist those thinking of setting up an
event. Lexicon, Viale Garibaldi 7 (telephone number: (041) 534 8005,
fax number: (041) 534 9720) offers a wide range of translation services.
Internet cafés in Venice are based at various locations around
the city, but many demand a passport or driving licence before allowing
use of their internet terminals. The
Venetian Navigator, Casselleria (telephone number: (041) 277
1056) is one of the few that does not.
Business
Etiquette
Venice is not a young city as few young people are able to afford
the sky-high rents and cost of constant renovations, which have
forced many citizens over the lagoon to live in Mestre. Despite
its significant student population, the average age of the Venetian
citizen is 46 and business accordingly is a fairly conservative.
Meetings are usually held during lunch and are a relatively formal
affair. Any evening meeting is even more likely to be formal and
will include alcohol and local specialities. For those looking to
impress it may be advisable to take clients to one of the top hotels,
for dinner.
Business visitors are unlikely to be entertained at home or given
a tour of the city’s nightlife as many Venetians are domestic
creatures who rise early to cross town while the city is still free
of tourists and close their shutters around 2100 hrs. An island
people, they can appear reserved and somewhat aloof. However, Venetians
are also extremely proud of their unique city and visitors may be
richly rewarded with an elegant lunch in one of the city’s
top restaurants or an aperitif and some of Venice’s famous
cichetti (snacks).
Formality should be maintained for business matters and Italian
associates should always be addressed as Lei (the polite form of
tu), unless informed to do otherwise.
Dress is conservative with a suit or blazer and tie, and punctuality
is respected. Although many executives will speak English, it is
advisable to conduct business in Italian, if possible – Italians
always appreciate a visitor who attempts to speak their language,
however poorly.
Normal business hours are 0900
hrs-1700 hrs, although much of the city closes down in
August, for the annual Italian summer holidays. |
