New Italian Boating Laws to Boost Lake Garda Tourism and Port Management
With the approval of the Chamber of Deputies for the Financial Law enacted by the government, significant new developments concerning recreational boating will soon become operational.
New Regulations and Incentives for Boating
The legislation approved by the Chamber foresees the abolition of the tax stamp on maritime licenses and the mooring fee for small boats (sails less than 10 meters or 7.50 meters if powered). The criteria for the mooring tax on recreational vessels (hulls exceeding the previously mentioned limits) have also been revised and simplified. These two major changes are expected to, without doubt, stimulate the growth of the market and nautical tourism on Lake Garda.
At the national level, important progress is being made. The measures adopted by Parliament were announced a few months ago at the International Boat Show in Genoa by then-Transport Minister Tiziano Treu, who, on that occasion, expressed hope that local authorities would also implement the principles of the Bassanini Law, which calls for the transfer of competencies from the State to local public administration bodies, also in the field of nautical activities.
The Situation on Lake Garda and Regional Issues
However, concerning Garda, the situation has remained unchanged for nearly twenty years (the last law regarding the “Regulation of navigation on Lake Garda. Agreement between the Regions of Veneto, Lombardy, and the Autonomous Province of Trento” dates back to November 2, 1983). Lombardy, Veneto, and the Autonomous Province of Trento have yet to unify the regulations governing navigation on Italy’s largest lake, although in the meantime, the Trentino authorities have banned private motorboats from their waters.
There has been no movement regarding the lake’s public domain or port management, despite repeated appeals from the President of the Garda Community Adelio Zanelli. Over recent months, he has organized various meetings and roundtable discussions on the topic. One of the proposed solutions for port management is to delegate this strategic service from the municipalities to nautical clubs.
“These sports associations are rooted in the territory,” Zanelli emphasized. “Additionally, sailing clubs are non-profit organizations led by passionate individuals with proven experience. They are also supported by legal benefits that simplify interactions with public administrations. An example is the Fraglia Vela Desenzano, which has managed the port in the capital of Lower Garda in Brescia for years.”
Port Management and Regional Differences
Moreover, the agreement governing the relationship between the municipality and Fraglia Vela could serve as the “bureaucatic platform” for all towns along the Garda coast to establish management companies with joint participation between public entities and private stakeholders.
However, some practical differences contribute to dividing the Benaco Lake into several disjointed “republics.” Lombardy has already adopted the provisions of the Bassanini Law for port management, while both Veneto and the Autonomous Province of Trento remain behind. A definitive solution is unlikely before the next tourist season, especially considering regional elections scheduled for spring.
Thus, another summer resembling previous years is anticipated, with familiar problems—though these are poorly tolerated by boaters on Garda, they remain largely unknown to foreign tourists accustomed to much different public administration standards.
