It is a climate of trust and good feelings that gravitates around the tourism planet in the Imola area in 2024. The numbers of tourist flows in the area, relating to the first quarter of the year, speak clearly and are in line with those of the past year. Data well above what was done in 2019 pre-pandemic. All while waiting for the peak expected for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Towing? The events that revolve around the city with the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack playing the lion’s share. “This season of events is positive because it consolidates a condition that leaves behind the many critical issues experienced in the past – explains Raffaele Benni, president of Arialco and leader of the Confcommercio Ascom Imola Tourism union –. There is movement and dynamism in hotels, which are also affected by the positive influences of the Bologna trade fair events, and in restaurants. It’s a good time.”
And the prospects are rosy: “Small and medium-sized initiatives mix well with highly effective events for the satisfaction of operators who work with commitment and dedication. A sector always under pressure which is thus rewarded – he continues –. An example? ‘ Borgo & Motori’ of Borgo Tossignano which sold out many accommodation facilities in the area, differentiating the tourist offer of the Santerno valley”. But even more can be done: “The Marconi airport in Bologna is, by all accounts, undersized compared to the amount of requests and there is a shortage of high-level hotel facilities in the surrounding area – analyzes Benni –. There is great potential but it is needed more quality. Customers have important expectations and adequate projects are needed.” In short, qualifying the services to aim for the best hospitality in the Imola latitudes: “The racetrack plays a central role in tourism projection and the 2024 calendar, where in my opinion the only things missing are the big concerts and an important event dedicated to two wheels motorized, reflects a balanced and rational management – he underlines -. The big names in music are very high with important places not too far from Imola. Our city, however, can and must play all its cards”.
And autumn, which rhymes with Baccanale, is not that far away: “There will be a preview at the end of May then we will dive into the organizational marathon of the consolidated October and November format – concludes Benni –. An event that has become a fixed point for the our catering. I like the theme of oil and the idea of continuing to wink at the growing local production”.
