“Bologna in the Champions League? It would be very important for tourism, but above all for the city’s economy.” Celso De Scrilli, president of Federalberghi Bologna, however, tries not to overdo his enthusiasm: “You know, superstition…”.
Let’s keep the conditional: if the dream came true, what would be the impact on tourism?
“Not like Taylor Swift’s concerts, capable of boosting the GDP of states by 1.5%, but it would give great help to our economy, making Bologna an international showcase.”
But how much could participation in the Champions League be worth to our GDP?
“It’s difficult to make calculations. Because there would obviously be a direct effect, but also an indirect one. To be clear: perhaps there will be more people who will stop in Bologna during the day to watch the match, but what really matters is ensuring that the new tourists stay a few more days to discover our city”.
So would we become that showcase you were talking about before?
“We are already working well now. Bologna is establishing itself from a tourism point of view, but we must never stop promoting. We can never sit back.”
As hoteliers, are you already studying ad hoc packages?
“Well, we’re waiting for superstition. At the moment we’re just rooting: for Bologna, then for our sector. But it’s clear that we’ll try to build something ad hoc to be able to keep those who come to our city for at least two or three days.”
Do you want to avoid tourism by watching the match and running away?
“Let’s say yes. Even though today the average stay is 2.3 days, while some time ago the average stay didn’t even reach 48 hours”.
Are there no longer tourists who ‘fit’ a stop in Bologna from Florence, Venice or Milan?
“These are those who come here from very far away, from the United States or Japan. But the European tourist comes to Bologna directly. And it is this traveler that we could intercept with the Champions League. Also because the connections with our airport are excellent”.
There are those who criticize Marconi for not being up to the growth of the city. What do you think?
“Which must be adapted to the large flow of passengers. But I know they are working on it with important investments.”
In addition to the Champions League, what is the added value of the tourist destination Bologna?
“We have neither the Uffizi nor the Tower of Pisa. But our offer is varied: museums, food, motors and a different kind of tourism.”
Is Bologna different?
“Yes. Unlike Milan, Venice and Florence, those who come here don’t feel like just tourists. They are less caged and can live a more authentic experience, like a Bolognese”.
Rosalba Carbutti
