Trentino Forecasts Strong Winter Amid Global Tourism Uncertainty

Trentino tourism is forecasted to have an exceptional winter, demonstrating that in the grand mix of globalization, if one sector is suffering, another certainly has reasons to rejoice.

This data comes at the close of the TTG trade show, which set another record with 12,000 attendees—including tourism operators, travel agents, tour operators, hotel chains, and airlines.

While destinations in North America appear to be struggling, Hannelore Hofer of «Austria for Italy Hotels» reports an «enormous interest in winter resort locations, registered both among final customers and tour operators.

Companies that previously only dealt with the Maldives are now creating catalogs for skiing, and meanwhile, we are experiencing a 37% increase in reservations». Optimism regarding foreign customers is confirmed.

Prospects and Critical Issues in the Tourism Sector

Luigi Franceschi, president of Ilg (which brings approximately 390,000 foreign visitors to Italy each year), confirms that over 70% of vacation packages with destinations in Cervinia, Courmayeur, and Trentino have already been sold in Scandinavia.

Positive data also come from England and Central Europe. Yet, this period also has its negatives.

Jalet Hebara, of Springtours, which markets tourism destinations in North Africa (from Egypt to Morocco), Indian Ocean, and Mexico-USA, reports a total booking freeze after September 11 and paralysis following U.S. attacks.

At the Viaggi del Ventaglio, the same destinations are expected to see a 15% decrease, balanced by a 25% increase in short- to medium-range trips.

«There is hesitation to travel far from home. Mountain resorts and cultural destinations, such as European capitals, will be favored». The crisis, however, is seen as temporary, and optimism prevails:

In Riva, an investment of 850 billion in Camocin, Ceará State, Brazil, has been announced for the development of 30,000 beds.