It is no surprise that tourism is the economic pillar of Venice. 14 million visitors come to the lagoon city of Venice each year, making it the most visited city in Italy after Rome. Nevertheless, only about 4 million visitors stay overnight in the city. Some 10 million are day visitors who often don’t spend a whole lot of money in the city and who merely visit the Piazza San Marco and its Basilica. Boosted by tourism, the arts and crafts flourish in Venice, Burano, Murano and the surrounding islands. Souvenirs are willingly bought and are available at all levels of price and quality.
In addition to tourism, heavy industry dominates Venice. The largest chemical centre, the largest thermal power plants and the largest oil depot in all of Italy are situated on the mainland in Marghera. They offer many jobs to the Venetian population and represent a major economic factor in the province.