Lake Garda Tourism Growth and Future Outlook, 1995-2001
«From 1995 to 1999, Lake Garda experienced a steady growth, increasing from two million four hundred sixty-nine thousand arrivals to two million nine hundred thirty-six thousand (an 18% increase), and from thirteen million six hundred forty-four thousand overnight stays to fifteen million seven hundred seventy-two thousand (a 15.6% increase). According to an approximate estimate, 2000 also appears to have concluded positively, with a 3-4% increase compared to the already strong 1999», observes hotelier Antonio Pasotti, who, within the Garda Community, is responsible for tourism.
«In 1995», continues Pasotti, «foreign visitors made up 67%, and by 1999, this figure rose to 70%. An indicative sign of the growing disaffection of Italians towards the lake product. The most constant visitors are still the Germans (43% of total traffic in 1999). They are followed by Italians (30%) and, at a long distance, Dutch, British, Scandinavians, all showing good growth percentages, at the expense of other countries such as Austria, France, and Switzerland, which have been in decline for some seasons».
Forecasts and future challenges
What about the 2001 forecast? «The new season should be at least comparable to the last one. Promising signals have been gathered at trade fairs. Promotional investments, both public and private, have been intensified. Thanks also to the careful pricing policy long implemented by Garda operators, we can affirm that on this front, no significant signs of concern are apparent. The only remaining questions relate to traffic flow (45 bis)».
The Community representative argues that we must «enhance the environment by ensuring efficient roads and transportation. Those choosing Garda for their holidays must find functional and modern infrastructures, cultural, artistic, and sporting attractions of a high standard. Above all, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, starting with basic attitudes of education and courtesy. The tourism system is changing rapidly. Just think that our website has had over three million visitors, with nine million pages read».