Lake Garda Tourism Boost: Easter Bookings and Cultural Attractions Expand
Easter boom for the Benacense tourism sector. The forecasts from the same tourism operators for the first seasonal testing are more than positive, based on rational optimism and supported by bookings and contracts.
From Desenzano as well as from Sirmione, Toscolano, Limone, hoteliers declare themselves more than satisfied. Some even consider strengthening hotel accommodations in some of the small holiday capitals of the lake.
But, enthusiasm aside, it seems that the 2000 tourist season has started on the right foot. Precisely, with fully booked periods lasting multiple days. Some say three, others even think of longer stretches.
Climate conditions and cultural offerings
Certainly, the favorable weather will probably contribute to further improving the already positive forecasts. Bright sunshine and clear skies undoubtedly favor lake vacations, which offer stunning panoramas, boat trips, and shopping in the small historic centers dotted with boutiques.
For those wishing to combine cultural activities, there is the offer of visits to archaeological sites around Lake Garda, from the Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione, open also on Easter Sunday and Monday, to the Roman villa in Desenzano.
“The forecasts are very good,” says Dino Barelli, president of the Sirmione hoteliers association. “There is high demand and many bookings. The spring clientele here on Lake Garda mainly comprises Italians, while the vast majority of foreigners are Germans.
We hope the stay will continue throughout the week.”
Progress of tourist locations and traffic situation
“Yes, the season has definitely started well,” adds Vittorio Cerini, hoteliers of Desenzano and owner of the Parco Hotel. “The town has been crowded for a few days, as Desenzanesi could see on Tuesday at the market.
There is activity; in particular, our traditional German clients have arrived, along with many Austrians and Swiss, besides Italians. The influx of German visitors was favored, I was told, also by the early closing of schools in some areas.
If the weather cooperates, the traditional full occupancy for Easter and Easter Monday could extend into subsequent days. There is a nice long weekend, and the start of the season in Desenzano has been promising, thanks to Vinitaly and trade fairs hosted in the structures of Montichiari’s center.”
Conficrmations of good progress and Easter forecasts also come from Toscolano, while a bit of prudence remains in Limone. The ongoing issue here is the usual one: the Gardesana state road, which has fortunately been reopened during this period, can only be driven alternately in one direction at a time.
Thus, expectations and bookings point to a fully booked Easter in hotels, thanks to the return of German and Italian clients, and a busy period for taverns, restaurants, entertainment venues, and leisure spots during Easter Monday, considering that Garda is among the favorite destinations for this early holiday period.
Actually, during Easter, the lake also sees a special influx of tourists: the owners of over seventeen thousand secondary homes scattered across the small holiday capitals.
During weekends between Easter and May 1st, these houses are reopened, to be used in subsequent weekends, especially in summer, before the busy fairs of July and August.
It will also be a long working holiday for ships, boats, ferries, and hydrofoils of Navigarda, which traditionally increase their schedules during Easter, and for the law enforcement agencies, tasked with managing the influx of holidaymakers and preventing accidents and excesses.
