A debate and vote on the introduction of a planned accommodation tax in Venice, Italy - due be held on 20 June - has been delayed following "scenes of protest".

According to the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA), any new levy is unlikely to come into force until 23 August, with the council due to reconvene today (23 June). ETOA head of tour operator relations Nick Greenfield said: "This is an interesting development, even surprising, given that initially this vote was seen as a formality.

"Rome and Florence have caused a lot of bad will by introducing these taxes in a very haphazard, last-minute way. Perhaps, belatedly, Venice will now recognise the need for dialogue and clarity."