Venice was among three cities being considered to hold
Expo 2000, a four month world exposition welcoming in the new
century. The exposition would bring in an estimated 200,000
visitors per day. There was question, however, as to whether
Expo 2000 would be a net economic stimulus for Venice or
whether the event's environmental impact would cause
irreparable ecological damage. The Venetian regional
government spent approximately $750,000 on a feasibility study,
whose conclusions left city officials opposed hosting Expo
2000. Eventually, the Expo was held elsewhere.