Desenzano del Garda continues to establish itself as one of the most sought-after destinations on Lake Garda, achieving remarkable results for 2024 in terms of tourism and revenue from the tourist tax. The data reveals a significant increase in both tourist arrivals and overnight stays, demonstrating the steady growth of the area.
The analysis of the results shows that revenue from the tourist tax has risen from €1,969,399 in 2023 to €2,107,225 in 2024, marking an increase of €137,826, equivalent to 7%. Tourist arrivals have reached 409,640, with an increase of 24,544 compared to the previous year (+6.37%). Furthermore, overnight stays have reached 1,172,807, showing a growth of 82,033 (+7.52%) compared to the 2023 figures.
Positive Trend and Destagionalization
Stefano Medioli, the city’s budget assessor, commented on these positive results, emphasizing the importance of good governance in generating resources to reinvest in the area: “The average length of stay has increased to 2.78 days, highlighting a gradual extension of the summer season and a significant capacity for destagionalization.”
The comparison with 2023 also highlights the increase in revenue from the vacation home and B&B sector, which now represents 29.69% of total revenue (up from 27.08% last year). Conversely, the contribution from hotels has decreased from 62% to 59%, which has also influenced the average cost per tourist, which fell from €5.72 to €5.37, thanks to the competitive rates offered by new accommodation facilities.
Investments in the Territory
The deputy mayor highlighted how the revenue generated from the tourist tax is an integral part of the economic development planned by the local administration since 2020. The extension of the tax’s application to the winter months has led to a total revenue exceeding €770,000 in recent years.
The revenues from this tax are earmarked for tourism projects and the maintenance of the city’s cultural and historical heritage; a small portion is allocated to the ecological management of public spaces and urban decor.
Medioli concluded by stating that this economic success is directly linked to the increase in tourist arrivals at local accommodation facilities: “We extend our appreciation to the tourism operators who contribute daily to the economic well-being of our city.”
Significant events have been funded thanks to the increase in the tourist tax—such as the time trial stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia and the Frecce Tricolori in Desenzano del Garda.
