Dua Lipa's Sicily wedding sent searches soaring, and locals say the island is not for rent

Dua Lipa’s Sicily wedding boosted destination searches and reignited local debate over whether wealthy visitors can treat public space as private event territory. After the singer and actor Callum Turner held a three-day celebration over the first weekend of June, searches for Palermo reportedly rose 94%, according to Time Out. The outlet said parts of central Palermo, including areas around Piazza Sant’Anna and Piazza Croce dei Vespri, were restricted during the event, leaving some residents unable to move through connected public squares or access parking near their homes. Local backlash spread beyond social media, with posters and graffiti reading “Palermo is not for rent.” The broader issue is tied to overtourism across Europe and to concerns that shutdowns can amount to “privatisation of public goods.” A 2024 study by Claudio Milano, Marina Novelli and Antonio Paolo Russo is cited. Time Out also notes similar outrage around Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Venice wedding in 2025, and mentions a €3 million donation reported by Vanity Fair.