Activists in Venice are voicing their dissent against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ahead of his opulent wedding to Lauren Sánchez next week, an event they predict will disrupt the iconic city. Scheduled between June 23 and 28, the wedding will attract hundreds of celebrity guests and is expected to monopolize the island of San Giorgio, causing inconvenience to residents and tourists alike. Venice, renowned for its rich history and delicate ecosystem, has seen its population dwindle due to overwhelming tourism pressures, with current estimates suggesting less than 49,000 residents remain.
Federica Toninelli, a member of the No Space for Bezos protest group, criticized the event as symptomatic of the commercialization of Venice. "This wedding epitomizes the exploitation of our city, turning it into a mere asset for outsiders," she commented. Activists have already begun their demonstrations, displaying banners against Bezos from prominent locations like the Rialto Bridge and plan to further escalate their protests by obstructing key transportation methods like water taxis during the nuptials.
The protests aim to broaden the conversation around Venice's future, calling out city officials, including Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, for prioritizing tourist-derived wealth over the needs of local citizens. While Brugnaro expressed shame over the protests, suggesting they detract from the city's image, activists believe such high-profile events only exacerbate systemic issues like the housing crisis driven by short-term rentals.
With plans to highlight these concerns through peaceful protests, local activists voice a broader desire for a tourism model that prioritizes resident needs. They argue that conscientious tourism is essential, as current strategies merely showcase Venice as a backdrop for luxury, risking the city's unique cultural fabric.
In light of Bezos's high-profile wedding—rumored to be held at the Church of the Abbey of Misericordia—local activists are calling for community engagement and discussions on sustainable tourism. While Venice welcomes visitors, they insist that future policies must reflect a commitment to its residents and integrity as a living city.
Federica Toninelli, a member of the No Space for Bezos protest group, criticized the event as symptomatic of the commercialization of Venice. "This wedding epitomizes the exploitation of our city, turning it into a mere asset for outsiders," she commented. Activists have already begun their demonstrations, displaying banners against Bezos from prominent locations like the Rialto Bridge and plan to further escalate their protests by obstructing key transportation methods like water taxis during the nuptials.
The protests aim to broaden the conversation around Venice's future, calling out city officials, including Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, for prioritizing tourist-derived wealth over the needs of local citizens. While Brugnaro expressed shame over the protests, suggesting they detract from the city's image, activists believe such high-profile events only exacerbate systemic issues like the housing crisis driven by short-term rentals.
With plans to highlight these concerns through peaceful protests, local activists voice a broader desire for a tourism model that prioritizes resident needs. They argue that conscientious tourism is essential, as current strategies merely showcase Venice as a backdrop for luxury, risking the city's unique cultural fabric.
In light of Bezos's high-profile wedding—rumored to be held at the Church of the Abbey of Misericordia—local activists are calling for community engagement and discussions on sustainable tourism. While Venice welcomes visitors, they insist that future policies must reflect a commitment to its residents and integrity as a living city.
