Increase in Gondola Ferry Fees Proposed for Venice due to Tourist Overflow, Displacing Local Residents
In the heart of Venice, the city famed for its canals and gondolas, a debate is unfolding. Recent events, such as the high-profile wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, have underscored local concerns about the impact of tourism on community life.
At the centre of this discourse is the traghetto, a ferry service that crosses the Grand Canal at four key points. Originally designed to offer an affordable means of transport for residents, the traghetti have found themselves at the centre of mass tourism. This is evident in the lengthening queues at the traghetto stops, a direct result of increased tourist interest.
Venice's councillor for tourism, Simone Venturini, has proposed a solution: increasing the fare for tourists using the traghetti. Proponents argue that this move would provide new resources to expand transport options and discourage casual use by tourists. For locals, the fare for using the traghetti remains less than €2, while tourists currently pay around €2.
The city administration and the tourism commissioner, Simone Venturini, are actively discussing this fare increase as part of a broader plan to balance tourism and residents' quality of life. Critics, however, warn that increasing costs could risk excluding lower-budget visitors while still failing to address the root causes of overcrowding.
The rise of social media has transformed the traghetti into a global trend, with influencers promoting them as an easy way to take a gondola selfie without spending a fortune. This popularity, coupled with the city's global fame, presents a challenge: ensuring that residents do not pay the highest price for Venice's allure.
In an attempt to manage tourist flows and encourage longer stays, Venice has expanded its calendar of measures. This includes price penalties for last-minute payments. In April 2023, Venice reinstated its daytripper tax, requiring visitors who enter between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to pay a levy of between €5 and €10.
In 2025, within the first 11 days of the levy, Venice earned almost €1 million. However, critics describe Venice as overwhelmed by tourists who contribute little to the local economy. They argue that the city is in a "state of calamity," with some business leaders proposing an entry fee as high as €100 for visitors.
The debate around traghetto fares and the city's tourism management highlights the ongoing struggle to preserve Venice's unique identity while ensuring it remains welcoming to visitors. It's a delicate balance that the city administration is striving to maintain, as it navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with being one of the world's most beloved tourist destinations.
