In Desenzano del Garda, signs of a crisis in the short-term rental sector are emerging, with 96 vacation homes still available for the week of Ferragosto— a concerning figure compared to last year when all properties were fully booked. Carlo Claverini, president of the Desenzano Holiday association, anticipates that many of the 336 new apartments opened in 2024 will return to the long-term rental market by September, as tourism has experienced a significant decline.
Claverini emphasizes that supply is exceeding demand and warns of the challenges faced by privately managed non-commercial properties. Despite an increase in visitor numbers between January and March 2024, data indicate a drop in tourist arrivals and a decrease in the demographic under the age of 14. This situation raises questions about the future direction of tourism in Desenzano and the need for adequate planning to attract younger visitors.