The Resilience of Tradition: How Venetian Sport Associations face Touristic Water Services and Broader Lagoon Transformations

This thesis investigates the contemporary landscape of water-based activities in the Venetian Lagoon, primarily through an analysis of sport associations offering the popular Voga alla Veneta (Venetian rowing) and Vela al Terzo (Venetian sailing). Our primary focus is on assessing the current socio-economic position of the associations and how they are adapting to the lagoons changing conditions. This includes navigating the increasing presence of tourism-oriented water services and broader threatening developments like increased wave motion, environmental pollution and a strong demographic shift, characterized by a declining and aging population. The non-profit associations are highlighted for their strong cultural heritage, focus on community and sportsmanship, and value among island residents. In contrast, the sector of growing businesses of water-based experience tourism offers activities often on a one-time basis, more expensive and often disconnected from local culture. An explorative qualitative approach was adopted where in-depth interviews guided by a standardized questionnaire, were used to quantify the associations and tourism operator’s economic dimensions, external impact and role within the local community and sustainability. For this, association directors, tourism operators and other local stakeholders were interviewed. Crucially, this study reveals the indispensable socio-economic value of these associations as central preservers of cultural heritage and vital community hubs. Further, they underscore the need for more research to enhance awareness and respect for the lagoons and city’s fragile environment, promote engagement in traditional associations, critically assess the role of tourism-oriented water services, and advocate for policy changes and greater public awareness to ensure a sustainable future for the lagoon, its residents, and its visitors.