Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A. was founded in 1997 by the Venice Port Authority in order to manage and improve cruise traffic in the Port of Venice. The Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A. operates in the Marittima and S. Basilio areas which stretch over a surface altogether of more than 244.000 sq. m. of which the Terminals occupy 53.000 sq. m. The maritime basin in the Marittima area measures circa 123.700 sq.m. The shareholders of Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A. are the following: APV Investimenti S.p.A., Finpax S.r.l., SAVE S.p.A. (Venice Marco Polo Airport), Veneto Sviluppo S.p.A., the Venice Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Municipality. In addition Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A. is the majority shareholder of two specialized companies: Venice Yacht Pier S.r.l. (V.Y.P.) founded to increase yachting in Venice and Venice Yachts and Ship Assistance (V.Y.S.A.) dedicated to the promotion of services for the maxi-yachts market. The growing needs of cruise traffic and Venice's appeal as a cultural and tourist attraction have given rise to the radical transformation of the Port area starting from 1997 as a result of the joint effort of Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A. and the Venice Port Authority. Such transformation is exemplified by the renovation of ancient port buildings once dedicated to the commercial traffic, which have now become modern and multi-purpose facilities. Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A.'s port facilities cater the needs of any ship berthing in Venice. · The Ferry Terminal 123 assists ferries for the Eastern Mediterranean area · The S. Basilio Terminal accommodates medium-size cruise ships, mega-yachts and high speed hydrofoils · Cruise Terminals 103, 107/108, 117 and Terminal Isonzo in the Marittima area are multi-purpose facilities which, additionally to their original purpose, are utilised for hosting meetings, conventions and fairs.