Venice protest planned for US ambassador’s superyacht visit

Activists in Venice are planning a protest against the visit of the US ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta, and his 117-meter superyacht, fearing it will be docked in the lagoon city. The demonstration aims to disrupt the ambassador's tour, drawing parallels to a previous protest that disrupted Jeff Bezos's wedding. Stella Faye, a 28-year-old researcher and activist, stated at a meeting of approximately 40 demonstrators on Thursday that the goal is to "ruin the ambassador's tour" this year, echoing the success of disrupting Bezos's event. The protest highlights ongoing tensions regarding the impact of large vessels and wealthy visitors on Venice's environment and infrastructure. The activists intend to repeat their disruptive tactics from the previous year's event. The planned action underscores concerns about overtourism and the environmental footprint of superyachts in sensitive historical locations.