Tourism at Lake Garda Despite Road Issues, Bookings Remain Steady

The impression is that tourists are definitely not missing, despite the disastrous road conditions. At least, that’s what operators from Altogarda are saying, from Gargnano to Tignale, from Tremosine to Limone.

Of course, the situation is quite varied. The influx of guests seems to be going very well everywhere, in the northern part of the lake, considering the segment of loyal tourists who usually spend Easter on Benaco.

Hoteliers describe these visitors as “traditional,” willing to overcome even significant obstacles or unforeseen events, just to reach the locality and hotel where they previously felt comfortable. And this year, obstacles are certainly present, just like a couple of years ago, when Gardesana was closed during Easter.

Reflections on passing tourism and critical issues

While waiting for the ferry in Riva to head further south and reach Limone or other towns on the upper lake, or completing the circumnavigation of Garda after already traveling hundreds of kilometers, there is a clear interest in this area, despite everything.

This interest is then confirmed through bookings. And bookings are indeed coming in.

If, instead, the question is posed to operators who mainly work with so-called passing tourists, the responses vary considerably. Passing (last-minute) tourism plays an important role; it often determines full occupancy and helps hotels fill even unbooked rooms.

Under this aspect, complaints are quite common, especially in Gargnano and Limone: with the road blocked between Limone and Riva, reaching the upper Garda becomes a matter of choice, and many – discouraged – will probably head elsewhere.

Few problems, on the other hand, in the hillside towns (Tignale and Tremosine), which seem less affected by this downturn and where this type of tourism represents a less crucial component than in the lakeside towns.

Those accustomed to enjoying the first Italian sun at Garda will almost certainly return at any cost. Conversely, those who considered Garda as a last-minute option often give up.

This is especially noticeable in Limone. Gianfranco Montagnoli, president of the Hotelier Association, says: “There are many factors that put this season on a lower level than previous years, starting with the weather conditions. Add the roadblock, which is the main issue. We anticipated a decline, which has indeed occurred, and from Monday, things will only get worse.

“Traditional guests are returning, but they can’t understand how there can be problems like ours in such renowned tourist spots: fortunately, we have the Germans, who never abandon Limone. But even if they are loyal, they are dissatisfied with the road situation.”

We must remember one thing: a dissatisfied tourist perceives these problems as common headaches across the entire lake, not just part of it.” Fabrizio Bontempi, Tourism Councilor in Tignale, states: “The feeling is that things are looking good for Easter, and also for the period afterward.

This could be the result of the efforts made by the Consorzio Riviera dei Limoni and the numerous fairs it participated in. We have many Germans, as is the case throughout the lake. They are happy, but dissatisfaction is evident due to the Gardesana road situation.”

Giovanni Oss, vice president of the Gargnano Hoteliers Association, comments: “Looking at the bookings, we can confirm that things are going well, at least for Easter. Inconsistencies are expected to develop during the rest of April: we estimate a 15-20% drop, but we hope to return to good levels in May and June, especially around the long weekends.”

What is missing? Passing tourism and reliable information about traffic conditions. Add to that the bad weather that has affected Europe everywhere.”