Rivano Tourism Declines in August Amid Changing Travel Patterns
Decline in Rivano Tourism in Mid-Summer
Alarm bells ringing on the Rivano tourism front, where for the first time in recent years, many hoteliers found themselves with a few vacant rooms in mid-August.
They were accustomed to turning guests away due to overcapacity and redirecting clientele to the more peripheral structures of the Busa. Instead, they unexpectedly found themselves with some gaps to fill.
Nothing alarming nor irreversible. However, this small August setback caused some dismay, especially after a very busy spring and a July that matched the best seasons.
Analysis of Causes and Trends
Regarding the reasons behind the unprecedented “weakness” of the tourism market during the so-called “high season,” listening to some hotel operators and industry representatives makes it clear that the analysis has already been conducted.
“A little reflection is needed,” explains Enio Meneghelli, president of Apt, who is very satisfied with the overall trend of the tourist season on the lake, “We have always taken for granted the ‘full house’ in August. Now, we will have to roll up our sleeves even for this period, which is traditionally Italian.”
He considers two aspects. First: Italians have stopped considering August as an essential vacation month. Second: the “weekend” format is becoming increasingly dominant.”
Operators’ Results and Perspectives
“Perhaps the lake is no longer perceived as it once was; perhaps it’s a matter of money,” reasons Enzo Bassetti, president of the Unione. “One thing is certain: this is one of the most sluggish Augusts in recent years. I suspect some operators willdo their sums and, next year, decide to reserve those beds for foreign agencies that were traditionally left free for passing Italians.”
“What is happening on the lake reflects what has already happened in the mountains,” observes hotelier Carlo Modena. “The Italian market is shrinking not in arrivals but in length of stays. People book at the last minute and stay in hotels for only 2-3 days.”
Can anything be done to reverse this trend? I don’t want to create controversy, but I believe Italian customers should be looked at differently throughout the year: I think they can still offer great satisfaction.”
Forecasts and Future Challenges
“August is no longer the month of automatic fill-up,” says Federico Venturini, another hotel owner. “I believe our prices, no longer competitive compared to new destinations like Turkey, Croatia, and Greece (literally flooded with Germans), play a role. Fortunately, we are heading into a golden September.”
