Italy estimates the festival's revenue at nearly a billion

The Italian Ministry of Tourism has estimated the expected revenue from the lavish wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former presenter Lauren Sanchez , which took place in Venice, at no less than 957 million euros.

In a memo Friday, the ministry estimated the direct expenditures incurred by Jeff Bezos and his wife at €28.4 million for these festivities, which captivated the Italian media. It also said it expected €17.6 million in "indirect benefits," particularly through transport services, but above all €895 million in future tourism revenue generated by the event's "media visibility."

Before tempering this, recalling that these quantifications are "complex" and "require empirical verification." "The economic benefits of these events tend to be concentrated in the short term," the ministry added.

Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè is known for her defense of "luxury tourism" in Italy, stating in March that "it is not an enemy, but an ally." "The global media visibility" of the event "strengthens our country's position in the rapidly expanding wedding segment," she said in a statement, calling for "putting the controversies aside."

The wedding ceremony, which took place on Friday, was the culmination of a week of festivities, including yachts and VIP guests , in a Venice divided over the impact of the nuptials on the city's image. A residents' group called "No Space for Bezos" staged protests against the celebrations , which were held under the slogan "Venice is not for sale," fearing that the wedding would make it even harder for residents to get around in a city crowded with tourists.