August 15, 2025 | 07:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Venice is planning to increase the fare for the large gondola or special boats commonly used by the locals. These gondolas are larger compared to the ones usually taken by tourists to travel the city's canals. The revelation of the cheap gondola fare came after social media influencers shared tips about the budget-friendly boat.
There have been longer queues at the four crossings in the Grand Canal, the main waterway in the city of Italy, after influencers uploaded videos about the larger gondolas, or traghetti (ferries).
The ferry is priced at around 2 euros (Rp37,000) for tourists, even cheaper for locals. This is significantly cheaper compared to the gondola fare of 80 euros (Rp1.1 million) typically paid by tourists in Venice.
With the increasing number of tourists opting for the cheap gondola, the locals are complaining. Andrea Morucchio, a local artist, told The Times that the ferry has become the latest trend for budget-conscious tourists for a gondola ride. "Thanks to influencers and bloggers it has become one of the most popular things in Venice and as a result Venetians are suffering," he said, as reported by The Independent.
Using traghetti to roam the city is not new among tourists. However, it has become more prevalent after many influencers shared it on social media. Influencers have recommended this boat trip for solo travelers who can't afford to rent a gondola, calling it an easy way to take selfies without exceeding their budget.
Tourist Tickets to Be Raised
Simone Venturini, a member of the Venice tourism council, stated that the city is considering raising ticket prices for tourists and then investing the funds to open two new ferry crossings across the Grand Canal. "An increase would be justified since tourists are using the service as a substitute gondola ride," he said.
Gondolas have become one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Venice. Tourists use gondolas to take selfies against the backdrop of the water in Canal City and to enjoy the old buildings.
Tourist Tax and Overtourism
The city has a complex relationship with tourism due to overtourism. Last year, Venice became the first city in the world to levy an entrance fee for daily tourists. This rate was implemented to limit the number of tourists entering during peak season.
The tax was tested between April and July of this year and ranges from 5 euros (Rp94,000) to 10 euros (Rp188,000). A higher rate is charged to tourists who make reservations less than four days in advance.
Day-trip tourists visiting during busy hours, from 08:30 to 16:00, must pay a daily fee. Meanwhile, tourists staying with hotel reservations are exempt from this fee as they are considered to have already paid the hotel tax.
However, business owners in the city have proposed a larger entrance fee, 100 euros (Rp1.9 million), as they believe that tourists are bringing disaster to the city. Setrak Tokatzian, president of the association of residents of Saint Mark's Square, said that the levy aims to curb the influx of tourists to Venice.
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