The cruise-liner industry has launched a PR offensive in Italy to combat mounting public anger at the growing number of giant cruise ships visiting Venice. Some 655 liners docked in the Venice lagoon last year, up from 200 just 15 years ago. They brought in two million extra tourists (one-tenth of the total), and last week cruise companies held a lavish celebration, setting out the economic benefits of the trade. But opponents say the vast ships bring an air of vulgarity to La Serenissima, pollute the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem and shake the fragile foundations of the historic city. (The Week)

Poor Venice!  Unless Governments step up and prevent them, corporations will usually take advantage of any situation and overdo it.  That is being kind.  Those people who want to reduce oversight are simply crass.  That is why Epicureans support the oversight of international companies and dire consequences if they fail to take into account of the public interest and the environme