So Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez thought their wealth would enable them to “hire” Venice. The obscenity of their extravagant display of wealth was however no match for locals who threatened to flood the canals with plastic crocodiles!. However there are a reported 95 private planes flying in for the wedding. The cost is gross, and did Ms Sanchez’s space flight count as a bachelorette party? Venice is blighted by too much tourism anyway – cruise ships over 25000 tonnes have already been banned due to the congestion and pollution cased.
Unrest is spreading across the Mediterranean Region. House prices have risen by double in some cities. But wages are low in tourism, locals are forced to leave as properties are bought up to turn into Airbnb and apartments. Tourists flock from Northern European countries and movements to restrict these migrants are growing in momentum, despite the jobs they bring. Even some areas of the UK are imposing surcharges on holiday stay overs. Councils have the right to increase council tax on second homes.
So this has become a difficult problem. The right to holiday away from home in a nice environment versus the right to be able to live in ones home area. Congestion in Cornwall can be horrific at times, and parking is expensive. House prices in Cornwall have soared (especially due to covid). House pices in villages make the traditional small cottages extortionately expensive. A parking space in a laybye was sold in St.Ives for over £50000. Is there an equitable answer? Probably not. Places like Cornwall and west Wales are too remote for the growth of employment hubs. Wages are therefore depressed and often seasonal.
But conversely it is surely every workers right to escape from the urban existence once a year? 2nd home ownership is perhaps the worst example. 1 in 19 homes in Cornwall is a second home. 19000 properties are classified as second homes. Occupancy levels are 89% in peak season – but statistics out of season are difficult to obtain The average salary in Cornwall is £34.6k, according to Cornwall Community Foundation, while the UK average salary is £42.2k. Education levels of achievement are also lower commensurate with the employment opportunities offered. And still the Numpties voted for Brexit that cut off a lifeline of investment! It is definitely a problem – solution ?????