After the celebrations of April 25th, the May 1st long weekend knocks at the city gates, lasting five days. An opportunity which, despite the very uncertain weather, confirms the strong attractiveness of Bologna, which is among the most popular destinations for visitors and tourists. Between those who have booked the long weekend under the Two Towers well in advance and those who prefer last minute organisation, the city is ready to welcome everyone.
To follow up on the climate of the month of April, “which was very positive – comments Giancarlo Tonelli, general director of Confcommercio Ascom –. We therefore also look at May 1st with optimism: in hotels, both in the historic center and on the outskirts, the number of bookings is good, considering that, for these bridges, many tourists rely on last minute travel, especially Italian ones”.
The booking numbers for the five-day long weekend are pink, with tourists arriving from Northern Europe, Spain, America and Great Britain. Everyone is eager to enjoy our good food. “Reservations in restaurants are excellent – continues Tonelli –. And this also includes those visitors who travel for sporting reasons, such as those linked to cycle tourism and outdoor sports”. In short, there is absolutely nothing missing, except, for now, the good weather. In fact, “if the weather improves, it will be a good bridge – explains Celso De Scrilli, president of Federalberghi –. But it is an unknown, because people could also cancel and cancel at the last minute. Occupations in hotels are around, at moment, around 70 percent.” But we must look at the glass half full, especially in the field of consumption, because “the weather influences the departure of tourists, but also that of the people of Bologna – highlights Tonelli –. Therefore, as regards consumption and restaurants, the picture is quite balanced, both in the food sector and in others”.
Proximity tourists, therefore, with the uncertain climate could “favor the cities of art, such as Bologna – says Loreno Rossi, director of Confesercenti –. The long weekend on the 25th went well, but the one on May 1st, which is longer , it will go better, with almost full hotel reservations. It is an opportunity that helps us consolidate tourism growth and also the restaurant budget.”
In catering, in fact, “there is optimism – adds Rossi –. And for the activities in the food sector, in the event that time were not on our side, they could have positive results: fewer people go out and more citizens eat in home, with an increase in local consumption”.
City of art, culture, sports and business. Bologna’s profile is well-rounded and this is also demonstrated by the bookings registered by the Bologna Welcome Foundation, which offers guests cultural initiatives, such as Discover Bologna, walking tours of the city, Casa Dalla and the Clock Tower.
“We exceed the values of 2023 and the growth of the month of April confirms the attractiveness of Bologna’s offer – states the president Daniele Ravaglia –. We will continue to work in synergy with the tourism chain and do our utmost to offer visitors an organized territory from the city to the mountains”.
