‘No Space for Bezos’ wedding protest turns Venice into ground zero for the overtourism debate

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is rumored to be marrying Lauren Sánchez in a star-studded wedding in Venice, Italy, this week. While the exact details of the celebration are being kept hidden from the public, it’s anticipated that an estimated 200 guests will attend the multi-day event.

Many locals are upset that the upcoming event will occur in their city. Activists in Venice are protesting the event due to overtourism concerns.

One protest group, No Space for Bezos, has taken to social media to promote a peaceful protest event being held on Saturday, June 28. Social media posts encourage locals to show up to line the streets and block the canals.

Social media posts for the @no_space_for_bezos Instagram account highlight concerns around Amazon’s labor practices and environmental impact, the growing economic struggles in Venice, and the e-commerce giant’s impact on small businesses worldwide.

The group’s Instagram account, which is based in Italy and was created this month, has swelled to nearly 5,000 followers.

Protest signs have been popping up around the city ahead of the wedding. One sign on the Rialto Bridge read, “No Space for Bezos!” Another banner hung from the steeple of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore had a big red X over the word Bezos.

Despite the outcry, preparations are already well underway for the upcoming wedding.

Event planners respond to backlash

Fast Company contacted Bezos’s team for comment. We received a copy of a statement that event organizer Lanza & Baucina Limited released last week.

“From the outset, instructions from our client and our own guiding principles were abundantly clear: the minimising of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events,” the statement read.

The event planning team noted that they have taken steps to reduce disruptions. The statement continued, “Before the recent news of protests arose, we had worked for there to be minimal negative impact or disruption to the lives of Venetians and the city’s visitors. We have always acknowledged the wider debate and critical issues surrounding the city’s future, and from the outset our client has been honoured to support the city and its all-important lagoon through non-profit organisations and associated projects.”

Overtourism continues to be a major concern for Venice

Venice’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism. However, overtourism has long been an issue, leading to pollution, infrastructure strain, and economic challenges for locals.

The City of Canals welcomed about 5.7 million visitors in 2023, according to its tourism board. Meanwhile, the local population continues to dwindle, with only about 50,000 residents living there now. The rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing have forced many residents to relocate elsewhere.

City officials have taken steps to help combat the impact of overtourism. In April 2024, Venice began charging a 5 euro fee to daytrippers who visited the city. This fee applies to non-overnight guests visiting on peak days. The daily fee is now 10 euros for last-minute non-overnight visitors.

In August 2024, the city council began limiting the size of tour groups to a maximum of 25 people to reduce crowds. However, these efforts have had mixed reviews, with many critics suggesting that there has been little impact.