Venice activists staged a protest on Saturday against US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta's planned superyacht tour of the city's canals, arguing that the visit highlights the growing threat of luxury tourism and environmental degradation in the fragile lagoon ecosystem.
Protest Details and Demands
Around 200 demonstrators gathered near St. Mark's Square, waving banners reading "No Mega-Yachts in the Lagoon" and "Venice Is Not a Theme Park." The protest was organized by local environmental groups, including No Grandi Navi and Ambiente Venezia, who have long campaigned against large vessels in the city's waterways.
"This is not about targeting the ambassador personally, but about the message his visit sends," said Marco Gasparinetti, a spokesperson for No Grandi Navi. "Allowing a superyacht to dock here normalizes a type of tourism that is destroying our city."
Ambassador's Visit and Superyacht
Fertitta, a billionaire businessman and owner of the Houston Rockets, is visiting Italy on a diplomatic tour. His 80-meter superyacht, named "Venezia," arrived in the lagoon earlier this week. The vessel, valued at over $100 million, is equipped with a helipad and multiple decks.
The US Embassy in Rome confirmed the visit, stating that Fertitta is "engaging with Italian officials to strengthen bilateral ties." However, no public events were scheduled in Venice beyond the yacht's docking.
Environmental and Social Concerns
Critics argue that superyachts contribute to erosion, pollution, and overcrowding in Venice's already stressed waterways. According to a 2025 report from the European Environmental Agency, large vessels in the Venetian lagoon produce emissions equivalent to 15,000 cars per year.
"The ambassador's yacht is a symbol of the inequality that plagues our city," said Elena Bianchi, a local activist. "Venice is drowning in mass tourism while residents are pushed out. This visit mocks our struggles."
Local Government Response
Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, defended the visit, saying it promotes "positive international relations." However, he acknowledged the need for stricter regulations on large vessels. "We are working on new rules to limit the size of boats in the lagoon," he told reporters.
The protest remained peaceful, with police monitoring the crowd. No arrests were reported. The superyacht is expected to depart on Monday.
