Visitor Increase at Scaliger Castle Boosts Local Tourism Revenue
Surge in Visitors at the Scaliger Castle. The year 2000 recorded a total of 154,710 visitors, an increase of 11,549 compared to 1999. These positive figures are not only in comparison to the previous year but also exceed those of 1998 (153,569) and 1997 (153,476). However, the record tally was set in 1996 with 180,552 visitors.
Trends in Visits and Investments
The fortress overlooking Lake Garda, home to one of northern Italy’s most evocative natural history museums, continues to prove a gold mine for the finances of the ente comunale Malcesine Più, which manages the castle and the adjoining Lacaor theater. Approximately just over 827 million lire were earned from entrance tickets, funds that will be invested in promoting tourism in the lakeside town.
Comparing data from the last two years, a notable increase in visitors is evident during the months of July (5,874) and April (4,256), the latter coinciding with the Easter holidays. “July’s rainy weather undoubtedly helped sustain the positive trend,” admits Sergio Benedetti, director of Malcesine Più.
Tourist Flows During the Summer Months
The data remain positive throughout the entire summer period: starting with June (1,200), August (992), and September (2,423). The last two months hosted the exhibition by the well-known Veronese sculptor Novello Finotti. Only March (-1,786) and May (-2,056) closed with negative figures, while slight variations occur in November and December, periods when the castle is open only on weekends.
Rates and Confirmations for 2001
For 2001, Malcesine Più, chaired by Giuliano Colombo, has decided to keep ticket prices unchanged. The fee remains six thousand lire for adults, two thousand lire for children aged six to fourteen, and free entry for children under six years old.
The group rate remains at five thousand lire, while those presenting the card issued by the Azienda di promozione turistica Riviera degli Olivi will continue to pay only three thousand five hundred lire. (s.j.)