Community of Garda Expands International Presence with Trade Fairs and Promotions

Expanding into new markets, consolidating traditional ones. This is the promotional strategy for Benaco developed by the Comunità del Garda. Through dedicated spaces or within the “Laghi” Product Club, activated by the Enit with collaboration from Regions and private operators associated with each other, the Comunità del Garda has launched an intense calendar of appearances at the most significant European tourist exhibitions, collecting feedback from numerous operators from the different shores of the lake and the invitation from supra-regional tourist authorities to jointly represent and promote Lake Garda in increasingly demanding markets.

Trade fairs and international meetings

The “Vakantiebeurs” in Utrecht — mid-January — marked the resumption of dialogue with Dutch tourists, who are always numerous on Garda but had recently shown signs of some disinterest. The winning and attractive card for Garda was the offering of a rich array of outdoor tourism, preferred by the Dutch public.

Then, in the second half of January, it was the turn of the “C.M.T.” in Stuttgart, where Garda received great attention and interest, especially for its gastronomic and cultural tourism offerings and its green spaces, which captured the enthusiasm of golf lovers, increasingly numerous in Germany.

A few days from now, the traditional event at the “C.B.R.” in Munich will take place, where Garda will be present with its own joint stand, created with the participation of tourism operators, to renew the predilection of southern German tourists towards what is considered a sort of “home lake,” the welcoming Mediterranean within easy reach.

Events and trade fairs in the sector

Simultaneously with the “C.B.R.” in Munich, “Nautic Show,” the most important inland waterway boat show in Italy, will be held in Montichiari at the Garda Fairs Center. An expanding event, at which the Comunità del Garda will participate for the first time, alongside the rich and diverse Garda boatyard community.

Also at the “Nautic Show,” the Lega Bisse del Garda will be present, recalling the Venetian rowing tradition, which on Garda and Iseo lake hosts folkloric-sport competitions for the conquest of the Lake Flag.

Participation in European fairs

In March, within the spaces reserved by the Enit for the “Laghi” Product Club, of which the Comunità del Garda is part, there will be a return to Brussels for the “Salon des Vacances,” after Garda was also featured in the pages of the “Royal Automobil Club” Yearbook – Guide of Belgium for 2000.

Also in March, Garda will be showcased at the “Utasas” Fair in Budapest, the most significant tourist fair for Eastern European countries.

Finally, to conclude the activities of the first semester of 2000, at the end of April, Benaco will be promoted by the Comunità del Garda to the Spanish tourist market during the “SITC” in Barcelona. This strengthens the synergies between public and private entities responsible for institutional tourism promotion.

The Comunità del Garda participates in all these events with joint promotional material for the Garda territory and with its own staff capable of meeting visitors’ requests with expertise and perfect knowledge of the Benaco reality.