'New model': How Florence and Venice plan to rebuild tourism after the coronavirus crisis

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.

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A street seller sets up at St. Marks's Square, Venice. Photo: ANDREA PATTARO/AFP.

The mayors wrote that they also wanted instant fines for visitors caught vandalisng the cities' streets or monuments, as well as "smart control rooms with increased video surveillance".

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"The idea was born after listening to the speech of President Draghi on the day of his inauguration, in which he touched on the theme of the cities of art and the need for a new model of tourism", said Nardella.

Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasised that as "ambassadors of Italy in the world", their two cities must lead the way.

Crowds mass at the Rialto Bridge, Venice in 2018. Photo: Venezia Autentica

Mass tourism had only been set to keep growing in Italy in recent years, leading to widespread concerns about whether cities like Florence and Venice would be able to cope.

In Venice, increased tourism had long been blamed for a rise in petty crime, from littering to vandalism, and the lagoon city famously struggles with pollution from the large number of cruise ships docking in the lagoon.

Before the pandemic, the centres of Italy's most famous cities were usually swamped by tourists - so much so that they had in recent years brought in a range of measures aimed at reducing the ill-effects of mass tourism.

Authorities, tired of what they saw as bad behaviour from tourists, had cracked down on offences ranging from outdoor snacking in central Florence to cycling shirtless and brewing coffee in the street in Venice.

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Venice last year also delayed the planned introduction of a new tourist tax, intended to help cover the costs of keeping the city clean and safe after years of problems caused by overtourism.

With dwindling numbers of local residents left in central areas of either city. both Venice and Florence have been quiet since the pandemic arrived and put a stop to most travel.