Tourism and Sustainability: South Carolina Now Takes Cues from Venice’s Climate Adaptation Models

Published on December 22, 2025

Venice, Italy, and Charleston, South Carolina, might seem worlds apart, but both cities share a similar challenge: balancing the demands of tourism with the urgent need to adapt to climate change. While Charleston grapples with flooding from tides and storms, Venice deals with its infamous acqua alta, or high water events, which frequently flood the city, particularly during winter months. Each city has its own methods of addressing climate threats, but Venice’s experience offers valuable lessons for Charleston as it faces similar pressures from both rising sea levels and the influx of tourists.

With approximately 8 million visitors annually, Charleston is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, known for its historic charm, scenic views, and well-preserved architecture. Venice, on the other hand, attracts nearly 30 million tourists each year, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. However, both cities are fragile in their own way, facing the double challenge of protecting cultural landmarks while ensuring tourism doesn’t further strain their already delicate ecosystems.

Tourism and Climate Change: The Common Ground

Both Charleston and Venice are coastal cities, and as such, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity present serious threats to these urban environments. Venice, a city built on a series of islands in a lagoon, faces frequent flooding from high tides and heavy rainfall, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change. Charleston, similarly, is no stranger to flooding caused by tropical storms, hurricanes, and king tides, which occur more frequently as sea levels rise.

For Venice, the solution to its flooding problem involves a combination of infrastructure improvements and innovative adaptations. The city’s MOSE Project, a series of barriers designed to protect Venice from high tides, is one of the most ambitious climate adaptation projects undertaken to date. The MOSE system aims to prevent the city from being submerged during high water events and reduce the long-term impact of rising seas.

In Charleston, flood prevention has become a critical issue, particularly in historic districts and along the waterfront. Recent efforts have focused on improving stormwater management, elevating buildings, and constructing flood barriers to mitigate the impacts of high tides. While these measures offer some protection, they are often not enough to deal with the increasingly frequent and intense storms. Venice’s proactive approach to managing acqua alta and flooding can serve as a model for Charleston, particularly in terms of engineering solutions and sustainable urban planning.

Lessons for Charleston: Sustainable Tourism and Preservation

In addition to climate adaptation, both cities are learning how to manage mass tourism while maintaining their historical and cultural integrity. Venice, with its aging infrastructure and fragile buildings, has struggled for years with the pressures of large-scale tourism. The massive influx of visitors has led to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and the loss of local identity. Venice’s response has included efforts to limit the number of tourists in certain areas, such as restricting cruise ships from entering the historic center and encouraging off-peak travel to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year.

Charleston, too, is feeling the strain of tourism. While the city is not yet at the scale of Venice’s 30 million visitors, the annual 8 million tourists are putting pressure on local infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and public services. To avoid the pitfalls Venice has encountered, Charleston can take lessons from Venice’s approach to sustainable tourism. These include:

1. Managing tourist flow: Charleston could implement measures to reduce overcrowding in popular areas by promoting lesser-known attractions and encouraging visitors to explore different parts of the city.
2. Limiting environmental impact: Venice’s focus on eco-friendly tourism, such as promoting electric boats and green initiatives, offers valuable strategies for Charleston. The city could invest in sustainable transportation options, such as bike rentals, electric shuttles, and pedestrian-friendly routes to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism.
3. Promoting responsible tourism: Venice has begun to promote responsible tourism that prioritizes cultural heritage preservation and minimizes damage to local communities. Charleston can adopt similar initiatives to ensure that tourism benefits the community without compromising its cultural identity.
4. Tourism fees and taxes: Venice has explored the use of tourist taxes to fund preservation projects and mitigate the environmental effects of high visitor numbers. Charleston might consider similar measures to invest in maintaining its historic landmarks and natural resources.

Tourism as a Catalyst for Climate Adaptation and Preservation

While the challenges faced by Charleston and Venice are significant, tourism can also play a role in promoting climate adaptation and preservation. The financial resources generated by tourism can help fund climate resilience projects, from infrastructure improvements to environmental conservation efforts. By strategically implementing measures that promote sustainable tourism, both cities can ensure their long-term viability as destinations while preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance that attract visitors in the first place.

Additionally, both cities can leverage tourism awareness to educate visitors about climate change and the importance of protecting vulnerable environments. Eco-tourism initiatives, educational programs, and visitor engagement can help raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior, fostering a sense of stewardship among tourists.

Conclusion

As Charleston continues to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and mass tourism, the city can learn valuable lessons from Venice’s experience. By embracing sustainable tourism practices, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and prioritizing the protection of cultural and environmental resources, Charleston can ensure its long-term sustainability as a tourism destination. Both cities have the opportunity to lead by example in balancing the benefits of tourism with the urgent need for climate adaptation, securing a future where both visitors and residents can enjoy a thriving, protected environment.