American Tourists Boost Lake Garda Hotels in Summer 2000
It is the American clients who are the pleasant surprise of the summer of 2000. They are wealthy and book via the Internet, starting to look at the list of hotels from the five-star and suite categories. They ask to see places related to the Italian Social Republic and to dine (at least once) at the «Fiordaliso», where Claretta Petacci used to meet Mussolini. They are also eagerly awaiting the restoration of Villa Feltrinelli in Gargnano.
Hotel Owners’ Meeting and Expectations for 2000
Last evening, the hotel owners of Salò and Gardone Riviera, gathered within the Carg, the Riviera Consortium, convened at the «Lepanto». «Despite some setbacks at the end of July and early October due to bad weather, 2000 has shown a definite improvement,» explains president Sergio Bassetti of Vigna. «We do not yet have official data, but the feeling is that it has been a good year. And we expect to grow even more in 2001.»
The reason for this optimism? «The entrepreneurial drive, which has led us to make numerous investments, and the spirit of collaboration among organizations.» Among those present were Bruno Faustini, president of the Comunità Parco Alto Garda; Chicco Risatti of the Riviera degli Ulivi Consortium; Ermes Buffoli and Giampaolo Mantelli, councilors in Broletto.
Projects and Promotional Initiatives
«Lake Garda is an advanced reality,» stated the latter. «We want to build a laboratory that can serve as an example for the entire region. We no longer need to promote a half-bottle of wine or truffle, but the whole territory, in all aspects.» The mayor of Salò, Giampiero Cipani, added: «Our relationship with Gardone Riviera? Excellent. We have found synergies and coordination opportunities. And Barbarano, thanks to ongoing projects, is no longer the Gaza Strip—abandoned and neglected.»
Alessandro Bazzani, head of Gardone, and councilor Giovanna Ciccarelli discussed initiatives related to the Vittoriale, which has set up historical, environmental, and architectural routes. Giuseppe Mongiello made his debut as president of the Comunità del Garda, describing it as «an organization that somewhat lives on itself. I am trying to contact the local entities that left the assembly to see if returns are possible. I am interested in an operative community, not a decorative one.»
Resource Management and Tourism Promotion
Attilio Previdi of «Nonna Ebe» recommended monitoring lake levels, maintaining a minimum water amount in May-June («alburns, cavedoni, tenches, and barbel have disappeared: they need those 30-40 centimeters for spawning») and controlling discharges.
The Carg also presented a new brochure, printed in 25,000 copies. A basic guide featuring photographs and addresses of various hotels. The website (www.carg.it) offers further information.
Meanwhile, the acquisition market records its first transactions. The Calderan family of «Villa del Sogno» finalized the sale with «Spiaggia d’Oro», after eight years of management. The activity will continue under the duo Gnes (Il Bagnolo agriturismo) and Cipani (the mayor’s daughter).
Hildegard Hinterkircher (Grand Hotel Fasano and Villa Principe) purchased «Villa Ella» to turn it into a museum for her statuettes, aiming to attract additional tourists.
