Current situation at Lake Garda
Lake Garda, once a dream destination for German tourists, is experiencing a profound change in 2025. The decline in tourism, primarily due to increased travel difficulties and rising prices, is causing problems for the hotel industry, restaurants, and retail sales.
The construction work on the Brenner highway has extended the travel time from Bavaria from five to seven hours, deterring many German visitors. Additionally, rising costs are making potential tourists more budget-conscious. This combination has led to fewer bookings, with about 20% of hotel rooms remaining unbooked, and a notable drop in revenues for hotels and retailers.
Italian tourists' absence also contributes to the decline, while Scandinavian tourists, who prefer camping and spend less, are increasingly present but do not offset the loss economically. The region is responding to this situation by trying to develop sustainable tourism concepts to keep the area attractive in the long term.
Alberto Granzotto, president of FAITA FederCamping, mentions that unstable weather has affected bookings but remains optimistic about the rest of the season. Virginia Torre, president of the hotel association in Lazise, echoes this sentiment, stating that while they have bookings from regular customers, the remaining 20% of rooms stay empty.
The decline in tourism is far-reaching, affecting not only the hotel industry but also restaurants and retail sales. These price increases are particularly affecting families who previously considered Lake Garda an affordable travel destination and are now opting for cheaper alternatives.
Luigi Lazzaro, president of Legambiente Veneto, emphasizes the need for a radical change in tourism organization at Lake Garda to protect the ecological balance and quality of life. The crisis at Lake Garda is seen as an opportunity for sustainable changes by some, as stated by Luigi Lazzaro on RaiNews.
The statements from the actors in the region show a mix of concerned forecasts and cautious optimism regarding the current situation at Lake Garda. The hotel association in Lazise reports no last-minute bookings and a high percentage of empty rooms. Hotels along Lake Garda are reporting empty rooms, and usually bustling promenades are quieter than usual.
In summary, the tourism crisis at Lake Garda in 2025 is primarily due to increased travel difficulties and rising prices. The decline in tourism is causing problems for the hotel industry, restaurants, and retail sales. The region is responding to this situation by trying to develop sustainable tourism concepts. Concerns about amenities and cleanliness at key attractions like Gardaland Park have also been raised by visitors, which might impact overall tourist satisfaction and repeat visitation. The statements from the actors in the region show a mix of concerned forecasts and cautious optimism regarding the current situation at Lake Garda.
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