Overweight Tourists Are Forcing Venice's Gondolas To Restrict Passenger Numbers

Venice came to symbolise the impact of Covid-19 when the usually bustling streets and canals fell silent earlier this year. As travel restrictions have been lifted, however, returning visitors are finding new limits on one of the most popular attractions – a ride in a gondola.

Venice relies on tourism, so the return of big-spending visitors has been welcomed with open arms. For many, one of the essential components of any holiday here is a relaxing tour of the many canals by gondola.

The traditional flat-bottomed boats were designed specifically for the unique conditions of the lagoon, but now fat-bottomed tourists are causing huge problems for operators.

There are currently 433 gondolier licences in the city, and to get one you have to pass some seriously tough exams, although many are also passed down from fathers to their sons. The slim boats are extremely difficult to manoeuvre, and only the most experienced gondoliers can navigate the complex network of narrow canals and bridges that connect the city like artieries.

A row of gondolas sits along the Grand Canal

Heavier passengers have seen gondolas take on more and more water, and the knock-on effect has been felt most immediately by the gondoliers who have complained that it is becoming increasingly difficult to complete journeys. “Going forward with over half a ton of meat on board is dangerous,” Raoul Roveratto, president of the Association of Substitute Gondoliers, a body that looks after around 100 less experienced gondoliers, told Italian newspaper La Repubblica bluntly.

The new capacity rules to combat the growing problem will see passenger numbers reduced from six to five on regular-sized gondolas. The larger da parada – also known as a traghetto – which is used to traverse the Grand Canal at points far from the city’s three bridges, are reducing the maximum from 14 to 12.

Gondolas are such a huge part of the city’s identity. They have been exported to other parts of Italy and even abroad, but they are still seen as a quintessential part of Venetian life. Tourists can expect to pay high fees to use them, however, and it’s unknown if the reduction in capacity will result in a rise in prices.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.