London, December 31 : In a bid to cement its reputation as the world's most romantic city, Venice is organising a mass 'kissathon' which is expected to see about 70,000 revellers exchanging kisses in St Mark's Square at midnight on New Year's Eve.

The organisers of 'LoVe 2009' hope that it will outdo a similar event last year, when 60,000 people exchanged kisses.

People will gather in the historic square, described by Napoleon as "the drawing room of Europe", from around 10pm.

They will be provided step-by-step lessons on how to enjoy the perfect kiss.

The organisers are also making arrangements for a midnight live jazz concert, and heart-shaped firework displays that will light up the night sky.

It is hoped that the event will help improve Venice's image after a severe high tide flooded the historic city centre at the beginning of this month, submerged St Mark's Square under more than 5ft of water, and led to thousands of tourists cancelling their hotel bookings.

Venice staged its first 'kiss-in' last year, which won the city an international prize for the best New Year's event.