TOURISM. MAZZALI: “IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 2024 GROWING FLOWS TO COMO AND LECCO, OVER 4.3 MILLION ATTENDANCE”
LAKE COMO IS A MODEL OF EXCELLENCE
TOURIST AND A STRATEGIC RESOURCE FOR LOMBARDY
From Stefano Passaquinidici
Erba, 3 December 2024 – “Lake Como represents a globally recognized model of tourist excellence and a strategic resource for the economic development of Lombardy. A natural and cultural heritage which, also in 2024, confirms its extraordinary appeal by recording constantly growing numbers.” Cthus declares Barbara Mazzali, Councilor for Tourism, Territorial Marketing and Fashion of the Lombardy Region, speaking today at LarioFiere in Erba, on the occasion of the Lake Como Tourism Days, organized by the Como-Lecco Chamber of Commerce.
The event represented a privileged opportunity to analyze the data of the Regional Tourism Observatory and outline the development prospects of the sector: “In the first eight months of 2024, the Provinces of Como and Lecco recorded a total of 4,305,533 presences tourist: 3,357,772 in Como and 947,761 in Lecco. Numbers that demonstrate how it is precisely the inland and lake areas, and not just the capitals, that are driving the growth of the sector. It is in these areas that tourism is no longer just an opportunity, but a real economic policy to be planned and managed with precision.”
LAKE COMO AS A MODEL OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
The Provinces of Como and Lecco, although united by their extraordinary scenic beauty, stand out for specific features that enrich the regional tourist offer. The Province of Como continues to be the fulcrum of a consolidated and high-quality tourist proposal, recording an increase of 53,350 presences compared to the same period of 2023 (+1.61%) and maintaining a record for the reception of international tourists, which represent 86.1% of the total.
The Province of Lecco, on the other hand, stands out for an even more marked growth, with 55,500 more presences (+6.22%) compared to 2023. The most significant increase in tourist spending is also observed in Lecco: + 17%, against +7% in Como. “This shows that territories often considered ‘secondary’ are, in reality, protagonists of a process of valorisation and attractiveness which today offers a fundamental contribution to the regional tourist economy”, underlines the Councillor.
TOURISM THAT IS PROGRAMMED
According to regional data, the internal areas and not the capitals today attract the highest percentage of tourist presences. “It is precisely in the less urbanized areas – our valleys, lakes, historic villages – that the best performances are concentrated. This trend confirms the validity of our strategy: investing in widespread tourism, in the quality of hospitality and in the diversification of the experiences offered”, explains Mazzali.
Addressing the topic of flow management, the Councilor adds: “Talking about ‘over tourism’ is misleading. Tourism is never a problem: it is a resource. The key is in the planning, which allows us to distribute the flows in a strategic way, enhancing the lesser-known but equally deserving locations and creating economic impacts over a wider area.”
THE EXCELLENCE OF WELCOME
“The tourist success of Lake Como is not only due to the beauty of the landscape, but also and above all to the quality of the hospitality entrepreneurs who operate in this area. Here we find professionals of the highest level, capable of offering unique experiences to visitors, responding to the expectations of an increasingly demanding and international clientele. Valuable accommodation facilities, personalized services and obsessive attention to detail are the secret of a welcome that stands out all over the world. It is thanks to them, their passion and their daily work, that Lake Como is synonymous with excellence.”
The Councilor also underlined how this quality represents an added value for the entire regional tourism system: “The hospitality entrepreneurs of Lake Como are a model to follow. Their ability to innovate and maintain high standards sets the example and contributes significantly to consolidating Lombardy’s international reputation as a destination of excellence.”
A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS
“Lake Como is much more than a summer destination: it is a destination of excellence in every season of the year. Thanks to a diversified offer that ranges from cultural to sports tourism, from food and wine to the outdoors, this area is able to offer unique and memorable experiences, both for Italian and international visitors. Mountain excursions, boat trips, trekking, skiing and food and wine itineraries are just some of the proposals that make the Lario a destination capable of exciting all year round.”
“I thank the Como-Lecco Chamber of Commerce and all those present for this precious opportunity for discussion. As always, my Department is and remains at the service of the territory, ready to listen and collaborate to make Lombard tourism increasingly competitive and sustainable”, concludes Mazzali.