Riva Beach Concert Sparks Debate Over Tourist Promotion and Community Response

No controversy, no response. The day after protests from hoteliers regarding the concert held at the Porfina beach, the organizers did not take offense at the attacks; on the contrary, they expressed their utmost satisfaction with the success of the event.

“What should we respond to?” ask municipal councilors Marco Tanas and Salvador Valandro, who, along with colleague Patrick Lorenzi, are among the founders of the Comitato Iniziative Giovani.

“The best response,” they continue, “was given that same evening by the over a thousand people attending the concert. A crowd of teenagers, young adults, and older people (there were also quite a few in their forties) who arrived at the beach as early as the afternoon to listen to the concerts and dance.”

Details about the party and organizers’ conduct

The number of attendees exceeded all optimistic expectations, and everyone fully embraced the spirit we aimed to create for the evening: music and plenty of healthy fun.

The party started at 5 p.m., with dance music played by a DJ, and at 9 p.m., it continued with performances by two rock bands. At 11 p.m., dancing resumed, and music played until 1:15 a.m.

“Around midnight,” clarify the organizers, “we lowered the volume of the speakers to the minimum. After just over an hour, we were told to close, and we did so without any objection.”

Directly addressing Achille Lasagna, was responded to by Elisabetta Calzà, a young hotel owner from Rivana and member of the Comitato Iniziative Giovani, who does not share the colleague’s opinion.

Position of the hotel owner and analysis of the tourist context

“Firstly,” writes Elisabetta, “there are hoteliers and hoteliers, as well as tourists and tourists. Over the years, I have received nothing but criticism for the lack of life in the Rivana center, from both younger and older tourists.”

Secondly, Riva is not just a tourist center, but also a town with 15,000 residents, many of whom are young people who, on Saturday evenings, are forced to get into their cars or motorcycles to reach the more lively tourist hubs on the lake (see the Limone festival).

Conclusions on the tourist situation and initiatives

Thirdly,” she concludes, “it was only one evening (even if it were two or three…) which seems very little for a renowned tourist town like Riva.”

In conclusion: Riva hosts different tourist flows. Certainly, the youth segment is still quite limited, but it exists and has specific needs.

Do we want to protect and promote it? These initiatives should be supported and encouraged, not just criticized, showing a lack of foresight.