We're just big boned...
Venice is reducing the capacity of its gondolas because of recent spike in tourists weight.
President of Venice's Gondola Association, Andrea Balbie has said the decision to reduce the capacity on gondolas is to ease the strain on boatmen who power them.
Speaking to CNN, Balbi said:
"Over the last 10 years or so, tourists weigh more -- and rather than having them step on a scale before they get on, we are limiting the number,"
According to UPI.com, Balbi claims larger gondolas which are made to cross the canal as a ferry service have reduced from 14 to 12 passengers.
The weight of passengers can cause gondolas to take on water.
President of the association of substitute gondoliers, Raul Roveratto told La Repubblica newspaper :
"From some countries, it's like bombs loading on and when [the boat] is fully loaded, the hull sinks and water enters,"
"Going forward with over half a ton of meat on board is dangerous."
