Riva Tourism Faces Challenges Amidst Algae and Infrastructure Concerns

“It’s exaggerated to talk about decline. More realistically, I believe that Riva is going through a phase of relaxation. So, little to no effort is made to combat the algae phenomena (which appears to tourists as pollution of the lake, even though it is not) and the ‘scraper,’ in terms of preparing the beaches with deck chairs, umbrellas, sunbeds, and entertainment, to improve accessibility and livability…”

Enzo Bassetti, hotel owner and president of the Unione Commercio e Turismo, does not share Modena’s pessimism; however, he is concerned about the lack of initiative within the Riva tourism sector.

Market Strategies

“Market laws do not allow for relaxation: if you want to stay afloat, you must invest in infrastructure, promotion, and entertainment. Let’s look at how a global giant and stable like Coca Cola operates: it has never shown signs of weakness, it remains the best-selling beverage in the world, and yet every year it spends billions on advertising.

That is the way to do it; no sleeping on laurels. Or letting disgusting algae float in the lake, when simply repositioning the barriers in front of the Centrale channel would at least preserve the aesthetic aspect. And the ‘scraper’? On the Veronese side, efforts have been underway for years to address the problem. Here, nothing at all.”