Riva’s Growing Congress Scene Boosts Tourism and Industry

Enzo Bassetti, hotelier and president of the Union of Commerce and Tourism; Gianni Zontini, hotelier and president of Palacongressi srl: both as independent operators and as socially engaged individuals, each possess a privileged vantage point on the tourist phenomenon.

Bassetti starts with an anecdote: “Those from Enit, greeting the audience at Golden Age, said it would be advantageous to open an office in Riva: they had been there the week before for Ttg, they were there for Fenacom, and they would return for Aci. This shows what the congress activity in Riva has been during this closing month.”

The three major events also serve as promotional appeals: on every occasion, the name of Riva appeared not only in sector-specific magazines but also in national newspapers, on radio and television.

Therefore, there is an excellent quality advertising impact to add to the simple fact of attendance figures.

“But group visits also continued, people came because they chose the location, often elderly, many foreigners. The positive phase started in September and, at least for the congress sector, we’re extending into November: for 2000, commitments are scheduled until the 16th.”

Congress sector situation and events

Zontini confirms the very positive phase of the congress sector: “For next year, October is already fully booked; Palacongressi only has small slots for minor events scattered between other dates.”

We are offering November as an alternative. The years when everything shut down by October 5 are long gone. Last weekend, from Friday to Sunday, there was a fitness, aerobics, and step event at the Baltera trade center.

No one in the city noticed; it wasn’t publicized. Yet there were 900 registered participants, who, along with their companions and organizers, totaled between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors — all people paying out of their own pockets.

Clientele trends and final balance

Zontini reports a decline in individual guests at his hotel. Traditional clients, loyal to relaxing vacations amid green and blue landscapes, were kept away by unfortunate weather conditions.

However, the overall October balance remains largely positive, when all is summed up.