Venice: the new Disneyland?

British economist, John Kay, won a little under $10,000US for his plan to turn Venice into a theme park run by Disney.

The mayor, whom he said should be replaced by theme park managers, was outraged by the awarding of the prize to Kay, calling his solution "comic" and "kitschy."

Venice has only 70,000 residents but plays host to millions of tourists each year. Most residents do not want them there and most tourists are ripped-off. Kay's solution was based on the fact that, as he puts it, Disney wants to ensure repeat visits and would do a better job of protecting tourists. This would improve the economy of the failing city.

Though he won the contest, the idea was rejected.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008