Venice struggles with its own problems as it faces a three-day city takeover. impact of overtourism On residents’ quality-of-life. For centuries this has been a slow city—you have to walk, or take a boat, to get anywhere—whether you’re rich or poor. For many, closing down areas of the city to accommodate superyachts or private jets is an inconceivable contradiction to Venice’s egalitarian philosophy.
Some Venetians are furious—partly because of the feeling that their city is being turned into Disneyland for rich tourists, and partly due to distaste for Bezos himself. Unidentified owner of a store near Arsenale said that they block the streets from residents. Does this seem normal?
Since Bezos and Sánchez arrived, there have been protests almost daily. It’s not surprising in many ways: this is a town with less than 50,000 residents that has been besieged by as many as 200,000 visitors per day. It is a place where the population has fallen by approximately 70% in the past 70 years As the economy has become more dependent on tourism. Nearly 8,000 Airbnbs have been converted from local homes. Inside AirbnbRents are increasing and the supply is decreasing. The problem is that basic services are scarce (this week I had to walk 90 minutes in order to find a pharmacist open at night), and the infrastructure is crumbling (public transport is always overcrowded with residents, tourists, and their bags).
Amid the threat of protests the venue for Saturday’s final wedding reception was moved from Scuola grande della misericordia (also in Cannaregio) to the Arsenale.
Organizers are planning a final march—against billionaires, globalization, the “merching” of Venice, and war—on Saturday, June 28. Many locals back them. “If I see him [Bezos]One Venetian, who works in the Doge’s Palace, says that he would turn his back on him.
Some residents, however, have more positive opinions. “It’s more than just a wedding dream, it’s also an event that showcases Venice as a destination,” said a restaurant owner who wanted to remain anonymous. “At the time when we always talk about Venice in terms of its overtourism, this event gives us an exclusive image. We need this kind of attention.”
“Bezos does not change anything,” Monica Poli says, a councilor from the Lega, a right-wing political party. She is also known as “attenzione, pickpocket lady”, for her voluntary efforts to prevent thieves from pickpocketing tourist. “These events are welcome—everyone works off it.”
Visitors to Venice should not expect any major disruptions in their travel plans over the weekend. Rumors of the city’s water taxis being booked up aren’t true—only around 30 of over 100 have been taken out of service to attend to the celebs.
And while you won’t score a last-minute booking at a luxury hotel—five have been booked out for the 200 guests, including the Danieli The following are some examples of how to get started: St. Regis—you’ll witness little chaos on the ground. Madonna dell’Orto reopened and you can now visit the Arsenale with a ticket. Architecture Biennale, held in another part of the complex—though you won’t get anywhere near the party venue.
Simone Venturini from Venice’s tourism councilor said that “Venice hosted hundreds of different events without anyone complaining” in a press release before the festivities. Is it Venice’s mistake that it is the most beautiful city in the world?
