Arco Tourism Booming: International Visitors and Growing Opportunities
Tourism in Arco is doing well and on the rise. This is the word from the president of Assocentro, Bruno Lunelli. His “thermometer” is a simple notebook in which he notes down the addresses of tourists making purchases at his two stores on via Segantini. It is for Christmas greetings that he consistently sends out to everyone with a small keepsake card from Arco. In ’99, these messages reached 40 countries across five continents. This year, Lunelli is considering surpassing his enviable record.
Promotional Activities and International Tourism
“My initiative is a bit unconventional, and I realize it might seem quite odd as a promotional vehicle. But firstly, it demonstrates that the recognition of our city has reached unimaginable levels,” comments the eclectic head of the merchants’ association in the historic center, satisfied. “This is also thanks to a steadily increasing number of tourists eager to travel the world attracted by some event. For example, to practice sport climbing around here or to attend the Rock Master competition, I’ve had in my shop—just as an example—Japanese, Icelandic, Finnish, New Zealanders, and other enthusiasts from numerous nations.”
The number of traveling tourists is impressive, including a significant share of Americans and visitors from other American countries. Arco has become a must-stop during its inevitable trip to Garda. By continuously promoting its Mediterranean climate along with the castle and park, results are now appearing.” Lunelli also recalls the other endless source of visitors: the extensive ranks of holidaymakers along the shores of Garda.”
Holidaymakers and the Local Environment
“They arrive in the city every day. When bad weather keeps beachgoers away, the streets are full, just like on Ferragosto,” continues the proud president of Assocentro. “They come willingly because Arco has that Trentino charm, as a town, that puts visitors at ease, quite different from the Garda environment. The Busa, from a tourism perspective, is already united—despite seeming like a paradox—thanks to the diversity of the three main municipalities.”
After glancing beyond the horizon, with hope that the Christmas greetings will bring back the visitors noted in the voluminous “thermometer” notebook, Bruno Lunelli gets animated describing the latest updates on the tourism situation. For example, the lines of English tourists are growing.
Prospects and Challenges of the Tourism Sector
“The only problem is that we, as merchants, will need to organize an English course so we can better communicate,” emphasizes the leader of Assocentro. “It’s also not true that climbers and bikers are second-class visitors. On the contrary, their presence is very much felt economically, especially since they start arriving from March to November. The days when my mother, in the 1960s, ran a tavern in the historic center are far behind. Back then, the season lasted just about forty days, thanks to the relatives of patients in sanatoriums and the first Dutch visitors.” Today, the “thermometer” notebook shows that a new chapter has begun.
