As the much-anticipated wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, approaches in Venice, the couple is facing backlash from some local residents. Protesters have taken to the streets expressing discontent with the influx of tourists, claiming the picturesque city is overwhelmed by visitors, both billionaires and others.
A notable sign at the protest read “No space for Bezos,” highlighting the residents’ frustration with the perceived impact of tourism on their city. Protesters have directed their grievance not only towards the couple but also towards local authorities, including Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, who expressed embarrassment over the demonstrations. “We want to send a very clear message: The ones who should be ashamed are them,” stated protester Federica Toninello, emphasizing that it is the tourists and government policies that have contributed to the degradation of Venice.
The city, with a historical center spanning just 2 square miles and housing around 50,000 residents, sees roughly 20 million visitors each year, primarily day-trippers. While tourism plays a crucial role in Venice’s economy, citizens argue that it has led to the displacement of locals and the deterioration of their heritage sites.
These concerns echo recent protests in southern Europe, where residents in places like Mallorca and Barcelona have also voiced their frustrations regarding mass tourism. In Barcelona, for instance, some demonstrators resorted to playful measures, such as spritzing tourists with water guns, to make their point.
The protests draw attention to the delicate balance between preserving local culture and accommodating the booming tourism industry. While weddings can bring joy, the sentiment surrounding this particular event suggests a yearning within the local community for greater respect for their home and heritage amid the pressures of globalization.