Recently, Lake Garda has seen an increase in the number of Arab tourists, with a particular focus on cultural hospitality. Currently, these new arrivals account for only 2-3% of the total tourist flow, but areas such as Alto Garda, Desenzano, and Sirmione are preparing to adapt to this change. Arab visitors, known for their high spending capacity and tendency to travel with large families, exhibit different habits that could influence the local tourism offerings. Industry operators recognize the importance of modifying services and menus to meet the needs of this clientele.
The president of Visit Desenzano, Emanuele Bonotto, emphasizes that cultural integration is a mutually enriching experience and that the Arab market presents significant opportunities for the region’s tourism development. Despite some challenges related to cultural and religious differences, such as the prohibition of alcohol consumption, experts view these new dynamics as a chance to expand the area’s tourism proposals. In this context, promoting Garda to emerging markets like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is considered essential for ensuring balanced and sustainable growth in the medium term.
