Tilman Fertitta Draws Venice Protests Over 384-Foot Yacht Diplomacy Tour
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jul 17
Tilman Fertitta Draws Venice Protests Over 384-Foot Yacht Diplomacy Tour
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jul 17
Summary
Tilman Fertitta arrived in Venice on Friday aboard his 384-foot superyacht Boardwalk and was met by protests over what activists called an arrogant display of U.S. wealth and influence.
The demonstration targeted both Fertitta’s 13-region “Coastal Diplomacy 250” tour and President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, with organizers citing U.S. strikes on Iran and the resulting pressure from higher energy prices.
Venice activists had already unfurled a banner as long as the yacht on July 4 reading “Venezia non si USA,” echoing local anger over a city they say is increasingly consumed by luxury tourism.
The stop comes as Fertitta—an $11.3 billion hospitality billionaire sworn in as ambassador in 2025—navigates a cooling U.S.-Italy relationship; Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni skipped the embassy’s 250th celebrations.