Sirmione’s Tourism Gains Blue Flag and Thanks to Conference Center
The tourism sector, a true engine of Sirmione’s economy (as it is for many other Garda area locations), has recorded a series of achievements and satisfactions over the past year. We highlight just two: the awarding of the European Blue Flag (given to the towns best in terms of bathing water quality and environmental protection) and the long-awaited opening of the Palazzo dei Congressi.
Based on these achievements (but not only these), the review of the 2000 financial statement presented by Dino Barelli, president of the Hotel Owners Association, during the annual industry assembly, could only be very positive. However, despite a 6 percent decrease in arrivals compared to the previous season, Barelli also sent a couple of messages.
Messages from Barelli
“It is necessary to identify and isolate forms of improvisation, slyness, and negligence that disturb guests, especially those coming from abroad”: this is the first message directed at those hoteliers who sometimes forget certain key rules of professionalism.
The second message was aimed at “merchants and public operators,” urging them to keep their businesses open as much as possible during the winter months; otherwise, the collective economic efforts and investments made by the three main sectors of Sirmione (tourism, thermal baths, and conference facilities) could be significantly undermined.
In fact, with the reopening of the Palacongressi after many years, Sirmione’s tourist season is set to extend, possibly even into December and January. Recently, for example, it was reported that more than one request to host a conference in Sirmione was rejected due to the town’s chronic hibernation from November to March.
Future prospects and development
Where should conference attendees go shopping? And where should they go for a coffee or dinner by the lake in the evening? It’s a well-worn issue, one might say. But with the reopening of the Palazzo dei Congressi and the encouraging increase in inquiries about using it, as the president of the hotel owners himself clarified, it’s time to turn the page.
“The third hub of congress activity— emphasized Barelli — in synergy with the thermal and tourist sectors, will soon enable us to extend the tourist season into pre- and post-season periods and mid-season, ensuring greater accessibility and more intensive use of our facilities with clear economic benefits.”
“These ambitious projects,” Barelli continued, “require the active involvement of all tourism operators.” He also pointed out the importance of “investing, regardless of the accommodation capacity of companies, in modernizing facilities, improving the quality of services offered to customers, and enhancing staff professionalism.”
After the meeting, a traditional dinner was held at Ristorante «Ancora d’Oro». Present were the presidents of the Azienda di Promozione Turistica del Bresciano, Maurizio Banzola, the Garda Community, Adelio Zanelli, and the Brescia Hoteliers, Paolo Rossi. Also attending were provincial councilor Ermes Buffoli, senator Massimo Wilde, and Sirmione merchants’ president Raoul Negri.
On behalf of the municipal administration, the Mayor Maurizio Ferrari also spoke, recalling upcoming events: the Giro d’Italia time trial on June 3rd and the “Catullo” journalistic award.