U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta Uses Mega-Yacht for 'Coastal Diplomatic Tour,' Drawing Both Praise and Criticism
Tilman Fertitta, the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and a Texas billionaire, is utilizing his $450 million mega-yacht, 'Boardwalk,' for a 'Coastal Diplomatic Tour' along Italy's coastline. This two-and-a-half-month tour involves hosting Italian politicians, business leaders, sports personalities, governors, and mayors aboard the 383-foot vessel, which is equipped with two helipads, two pools, four hot tubs, a scuba room, spa, and gym. Fertitta, with an estimated net worth of $11.1 billion, is reportedly covering most of the tour's costs himself, estimated at about $1 million out of pocket, with state security being the exception. This unconventional diplomatic approach, partly intended to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and partly due to renovations at the ambassador's residence, has generated significant attention and mixed reactions in Italy. Fertitta previously spent $2 million of his own money renovating Villa Taverna, the official U.S. ambassador's residence in Rome, upon his arrival last year. 
