In 2019, I worked through my communications agency to create an online booking site for gondola tours in Venice. The group of gondoliers did not yet have an official name, so we were also responsible for creating the brand and visual identity. The site was translated into four languages to reach an international audience.

Business study and user experience

The project involved an in-depth analysis of the different types of gondola tours offered in order to present them in the clearest and most engaging way possible. We designed and developed the site in WordPress, integrating an online booking system with automatic notifications to gondoliers via Google Calendar. We relied on an external agency for professional translations of the texts.

Website structure and navigation

The homepage of the site guides the user through the booking process in 4 simple steps, followed by an intuitive interface for choosing tours. The final part of the page features an introduction to the history of gondoliers, with a link to a dedicated section for more in-depth information.

Each tour is an extension of the previous one, including new areas of the route. An interactive map shows the itinerary, while a photo gallery allows users to preview the Venetian sights they will visit.

Easy booking and notifications to gondoliers

Each tour has a dedicated page with all the details. From here one can easily switch between tours, changing the itinerary according to the user’s preferences. Once a tour is chosen, the user can select the date, time, and enter their name. Gondoliers then receive a notification via Google Calendar with all the necessary information to get in direct contact with the client.

Naming and identity of the gondolier group

Prior to the creation of the site, the gondoliers operated as an association, but without a distinctive name. Therefore, we worked with them to identify a name that was representative of their working style and philosophy. We also created a corporate image with which they could identify themselves.

It was a very engaging project, thanks in part to the willingness of the gondoliers who, loving to take photos while working among the canals of Venice, provided us with lots of authentic and evocative material to use on the site.