The impact of the global problem on local business

Famous gondoliers in Venice have reduced the maximum number of tourists they can transport in boats, stating that they had to do so because of overweight tourists

Unlike elevators, where only six people or the maximum weight is written, we do not have a scale for measuring people, which is why we have reduced the number of passengers, "said the president of the Association of Venetian Gondoliers, Andrea Balbi."Bombs are being loaded from some countries. And when the boat is fully loaded, the hull sinks and water enters. It is dangerous to drive with more than half a ton of meat on board," Roverato said.

The profession of gondolier has existed since 1094, and today it is practiced by 433 gondoliers and 180 replacement gondoliers. "It's a matter of tradition. Who knows better than a gondolier about that business. Channels, buildings, the history of the city. The job of a gondolier is unique, there are 433 of us and if we found someone from Paris, New York or another city, it would not be a continuation of tradition "It would be like a pizza master who is not from Naples," Balbi said.