Recently, in Salò, the results of the survey “Global Tourism and Local Contexts” conducted by the Observatory for Tourism on Lake Garda were presented. The analysis involved 33 municipalities in the Garda basin and highlighted the increasing awareness among administrators regarding the challenges that sustainable tourism must face, including water quality, mobility, and the enhancement of cultural heritage. During the meeting, Mayor Francesco Cagnini emphasized the importance of responsible tourism, while Mariastella Gelmini urged local administrations to take an active role in promoting sustainability.
The study, led by Professor Valerio Corradi from the Catholic University, revealed that the tourism landscape has changed significantly post-pandemic: there is a noticeable increase in demand for outdoor experiences and a preference for short stays. The mayors identified the protection of water quality and the landscape as priorities, followed by the need to improve public transportation. The meeting highlighted the current challenges related to overtourism and the necessity for effective policies to manage tourist flows while respecting the local environment.