In recent months, Arab tourism has shown significant growth in Riva del Garda and the surrounding areas, such as Limone and Nago-Torbole, with an increase that has more than doubled compared to the previous year. This trend has led to the consideration of “muslim-friendly” certification for some hotels, but it has also raised concerns among local tourism operators. Luca Grazioli, former councilor of Riva del Garda, expressed his views in a social media post regarding the potential negative effects of this phenomenon on the hospitality sector, emphasizing the risk of compromising local traditions and values due to the cultural differences that characterize this new type of visitor.
Elisabetta Aldrighetti, secretary of the Fratelli d’Italia Alto Garda e Ledro circle, added that it is essential to maintain the area’s tourism identity without altering it. According to Aldrighetti, rather than adapting to the new Arab tourism habits, it would be more appropriate to strengthen promotion towards traditional markets such as Germany and Austria. She reiterated the importance of preserving the local economic balance and the historical vocation of Lake Garda in outdoor tourism and the enhancement of its natural and culinary resources. The issue remains open as local stakeholders continue to debate how to manage this evolution in the tourism landscape.
