Fertitta’s $450 Million Superyacht Tour Sparks Italy Backlash as Security Costs Fuel Venice Protests
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Jul 17
Fertitta’s $450 Million Superyacht Tour Sparks Italy Backlash as Security Costs Fuel Venice Protests
3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jul 17
Summary
$450 million ambassadorial yacht tour has drawn parliamentary criticism in Italy, with lawmakers calling Tilman Fertitta’s two-month coastal outreach a “diplomatic vacation” marked by excessive opulence.
A special security operation — involving coastguard boats, helicopters, financial police and port authorities — was mounted because Rome classified Fertitta as a high-risk target entitled to first-level exceptional protection.
Venice became the flashpoint on Friday as Boardwalk docked during the Redentore festival at a prime public fireworks viewing spot, prompting local anger over access and symbolism.
Several hundred protesters later marched against the 117-metre yacht and briefly clashed with riot police, denouncing both the display of American wealth and Trump administration policies.
Italian officials defended the tour as required under the Vienna Convention and useful for repairing strained U.S.-Italy ties, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling Fertitta a constructive channel to Washington.