Venice avoids being placed on UNESCO’s heritage danger list July 23, 2021 Italy's move earlier this month to ban large cruise ships from Venice's lagoon is thought to have been a key factor in UNESCO's decision. — Courtesy file photo BRUSSELS — Venice has avoided being placed on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in danger. Italy's move earlier this month to ban large cruise ships from Venice's lagoon is thought to have been a key factor in UNESCO's decision. But the city remains a concern for the UN body: it has asked Italy to provide an update by next December on how Venice is being protected from over-tourism.