Sicily's minor islands face 18% ferry fare hike, industry groups demand regional intervention

An 18% increase in ferry tariffs for Sicily’s minor islands is set to take effect on 10 August. Hotel association Federalberghi Isole di Sicilia and business group Confesercenti Sicilia have sent urgent letters to regional president Renato Schifani, infrastructure minister Alessandro Aricò, and transport minister Matteo Salvini, asking that the hike be suspended and its legal basis verified. Federalberghi president Christian Del Bono warned that the rise could jeopardise the islands’ economies and breach the constitutional principle of territorial continuity. Confesercenti’s Giuseppe Mineo called the increase “unacceptable,” saying it would burden residents, businesses and tourists at a critical time for the tourism season. Regional vice‑coordinator Peppe Germano of Noi moderati in Sicily echoed these concerns, stressing that the ferry is essential for work, study and health travel and that the hike could damage the summer tourism sector. The groups propose a reserve fund to protect mobility costs during periods of high fuel prices.