Venice...vacant?

According to recent city council data, flooding and massive tourism are driving Venetians straight out of Venice!

Whoever thought Venice would be compared to Disneyland? Apparently La Repubblica Daily warns Italians that because of the colossal shift in Venetians moving out of Venice, mixed with the huge increase in tourism, Venice could be the Italian equivalent of America's beloved Disneyland.

The cost of living has skyrocketed due to increased water levels and pesky tourists. Naturally, Venetians can find a better way to spend their hard earned euro and it's not on rent.

"If you ask me, Venice has already lost its soul," said Paolo, a manager of a small bar in Venice. He may be correct, considering the fact that most local Venetian residents are now aged 60 or older.

City council housing chief, Mara Rumiz said, "We can't charge an entry ticket -- Venice is not a theme park." Yet...

So, will Venice slowly transform itself into the magical world of Disney? Only time will tell.

Check out this Article by:
Silvia Aloisi
A city with no residents? Venice frets over future
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2373302&page=1