Garda and Innsbruck Strengthen Ties with Christmas and Tourism Collaborations
Technical trials of twinning: these are ongoing between Innsbruck and Garda, with reciprocal exchanges of courtesies. Last week, a delegation from Garda visited the capital of Tyrol.
Now it will be the turn of an Austrian delegation to be on the lake to kick off the Christmas season among the olive trees. “The visit to Innsbruck,” says Mayor Davide Bendinelli, “was fruitful: I believe there are the grounds to establish a collaboration that will benefit both locations in terms of tourism.”
During a press conference held at Ottoburg, one of the most historic buildings in the city (a tower from the late 15th century, now hosting a prestigious restaurant), Bendinelli, together with Vice Mayor Gian Paolo Rossi and Tourism Councillor Antonio Pasotti, presented the lakefront offer and the program of the Christmas among the Olive Trees.
The room clearly conveyed the sensation that the Austrians continue to regard Garda as their “sea,” revitalizing the nineteenth-century tradition that was the origin of Lake Garda tourism. “What impressed the journalists,” emphasizes Garda’s mayor, “were especially the dimensions of our tourism, as well as the quality of our offer.”
They did not expect that a relatively small town like ours could come close to Innsbruck in terms of tourist numbers. It became clear how this partnership has development potential for both locations.”
Inauguration of the Christmas Market in Innsbruck
At the end of the press event, Innsbruck’s Mayor, Herwing Van Staa, wanted Bendinelli to inaugurate the city’s famous Christmas market.
The ceremony took place on the balcony of the Gold Roof, a symbol of Innsbruck. From tomorrow to Sunday, the courtesy will be returned, and Innsbruck will be the main protagonist of the Christmas among the Olives event at Garda.
The exhibition hall, located behind the municipality, will become a sort of Tyrolean annex, with one room hosting an exhibition of famous Swarovski crystals, another with a roulette table brought by the Innsbruck Casino (Director Hannes Matheowitsch will be in Garda for the occasion), and another showcasing traditional Austrian gastronomic products (cured meats, sweets, spirits).
Moreover, the restaurant set up under the tent on the lakeside will offer beer, sausages, and typical Tyrolean dishes. All accompanied by folklore entertainment.
On Saturday afternoon, the authorities from Innsbruck will officially inaugurate Garda’s Christmas Market.
The delegation from the Tyrolean capital will also be joined by the mayor, who will bring one hundred Christmas trees: on Saturday, these can be purchased directly from the stalls set up in the town hall square.
This is a great opportunity to create a perfect Christmas tree at home. The first will be donated to the Comune di Garda: it will be the municipality’s official Christmas tree.
In short: the friendship between Garda and Innsbruck is growing closer. Twinning on the horizon? “In the meantime,” says Bendinelli, “we are working to strengthen this valuable understanding that has developed between our two communities. Then we shall see.”
