Garda Tourism Boost Planned with Toll Discounts and Events Initiatives
The collapse of the landslide on the 45 bis between Limone and Riva, which caused a transit interruption, has frozen but not canceled the preliminary negotiations with Garda Trentino and the Veronese coast to obtain discounts on highway tolls during weekdays for incoming foreigners.
An overseas tourism plan. “If implemented, the project would produce several advantages,” notes Franceschino Risatti, president of the Consorzio Riviera dei Limoni, which includes locations and operators from the mid-high Brescia lake area. “First, a highly appealing advertising prominence.”
Then, the opportunity to improve traffic flow on the main access roads, making them more streamlined, faster, and safer. “Often,” continues Risatti, “tourists from beyond the Alps choose other destinations to avoid getting stuck in tedious and endless queues.”
If this project can be realized, hoteliers and campers would have the opportunity to diversify and stagger arrivals. Recently, the 2001 program of the Consorzio Riviera dei Limoni was distributed, while municipalities are voting on membership (Toscolano Maderno has already approved).
Planned Activities and Funding
President Risatti outlined the activities he intends to undertake. A budget of 255 million lire is planned. Around eighty million will be spent attending about twenty trade fairs in major European cities; forty million for the staff and booth personnel; approximately one hundred million to produce a guide promoting climate, lake, beaches, wind, nature, environment, landscapes, vistas, culture, traditions, cuisine, typical products, folk festivals, sports, and music events.
The remaining funds will be used for appropriate signage at all municipal entrances and for furnishing an office in Gargnano (at the Comunità Montana headquarters). Other initiatives include the Riviera Card, which will offer discounts on steamboats, amusement parks, and at certain stores.
Additionally, there are plans to revive nighttime cruises (limited to two or three next summer) aboard the motor ship Brennero, aiming to promote local specialties. Support for events like Salògolosa or the Sagra del Tartufo is also planned, coordinating their dates of occurrence.
The project also aims to encourage sailing clubs to organize notable regattas beyond the famous Centomiglia. Close collaboration with the Vittoriale is planned, perhaps promoting its image throughout Europe during fairs.
An “Educational tour” specifically for journalists is to be organized, including trips and excursions into the inland areas. The Consorzio, which seeks to promote the image of Garda, was recently officially established in Salò at the office of notary Giovanni Antonio Bonardi.
Members and Participation
Founding members include: hoteliers from Limone (Gianfranco Montagnoli), Tignale (Laura Barezzani), Gargnano (Andrea Arosio), Toscolano Maderno (Marcello Beschi), Salò-Gardone Riviera (Sergio Bassetti and Orietta Papini Mizzaro), the Pro Loco di Tremosine (Caludio Giuntelli Arrighini), and a group of supporters (Ferruccio Bettanini, Fabio Cauzzi, Fabrizio Bontempi, Marcello Festa, Costante Rossi, Franceschino Risatti).
Each has contributed 100,000 lire. The participation fee for municipalities wishing to join is one hundred million lire, divided as follows: 17.625% each for Salò, Gardone Riviera, Toscolano Maderno, and Limone; 9.5% each for Gargnano, Tignale, and Tremosine; and 0.50% for Magasa and Valvestino.