The tourism season on Lake Garda is showing encouraging numbers, with an 85% occupancy rate for hotels and vacation rentals in the Brescia area of the lake. However, despite the influx of Italian and German visitors, sales in local shops are struggling to take off. This initial summer exodus has led to a steady crowd, in contrast to other tourist destinations like the Romagna Riviera, where visitor numbers decline during weekdays. The mayor of Limone, Franceschino Risatti, highlights that the German clientele is predominant and loyal, while the market is diversifying with new visitors coming from Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
Nonetheless, the retail sector seems to be feeling the impact of increasing competition from e-commerce and large distribution centers. Andrea Maggioni from Confesercenti notes that tourism still represents a driving force for the local economy, but warns that spending by German tourists is slowing down due to economic difficulties in Germany. In contrast, shoppers from the United Arab Emirates are showing a growing interest in local shopping, while Italians are maintaining a cautious approach to non-essential spending.
