Jeff Bezos’ wedding brings the spotlight and tourism to Venice
Some Venetians are welcoming the increase in business that comes with Jeff Bezos’ wedding. Others are worried that it is turning their city into a sight.
When Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez celebrate their gorgeous three-day wedding in Venice this week (June 24-28), tourists find the city’s charm a bit crowded and nursing.
Venice protesters claimed a big victory after Jeff Bezos and his wedding party moved their main celebrations from the city centre to Arsenel. The original venue for Scuola Grande Della Misericordia was not officially confirmed, but the BBC reported that local officials said increased pressure from activists against the famous billionaire festival had prompted last-minute change.
Located in the city’s eastern Castello district, the reported new venue is said to be surrounded by water and surrounded exclusively by land via a bridge that can be grown.
Three luxurious hotels have been officially booked, and several water taxis have been booked for the wedding.
Tourists report unexpected closures, re-routed traffic and a paparazzi-rich atmosphere. The wedding festivities are expected to take place in some of the city’s most central locations, with Venice City Hall mandating the closure of the area surrounding the medieval church Madonna del Route on Wednesday for outdoor aviation gatherings on Thursday nights.
Officials said the Venice police headquarters is handling the city’s security operations for the wedding. The police department did not immediately respond to USA Today’s request for comment.
Nevertheless, some residents and vendors welcome the influx — the Associated Press notes that 80% of wedding regulations come from Venetian artisans, while others have accused it of millions of dollars of “city rentals” at the expense of normal lives.
“People who bring investment, create jobs and strengthen Venice’s global position are always welcome here,” Tourism Deputy Mayor Simone Venturini said in a statement to USA Today. “We will continue to strive for a city that balances hospitality and the protection of its unique heritage, led both in vision and in balance.”
What does this mean for tourists?
- Expect delays at water taxi terminals and airport transfers. Pack your extra patience.
- Predict the possibility of increased security and temporary area restrictions near the event venue and Marco Polo Airport.
- Prepare for a crowd of onlookers, presses, and paparazzi crowds.
- The event is said to boost the involvement of artisans, so travelers should take advantage of it.
Contribution: Reuters
