Rimini Set to Host Routes Europe 2026
On the final day of Routes Europe 2025 in Seville, Spain, a significant transition in event hosting was announced as the Government of Spain, the Regional Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Sport of Andalucia, and Seville City Hall formally handed over the event to the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality of Rimini, and Rimini and San Marino International Airport. This change underscores the dynamic nature of Routes Europe, which moves to different venues annually to unite key stakeholders in the route development community and drive air network growth across the region and beyond.
The Emilia-Romagna Region is gearing up to host the 2026 edition of Routes Europe, promising over 5,000 meetings between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities. This influential gathering will serve as a catalyst for forming strong partnerships in air service development while boosting international connectivity. The event is expected to attract VPs and Heads of Network Planning from 110 of Europe’s leading carriers, all converging on Rimini to shape the future of air routes and enhance global tourism links.
Rimini’s success as a host is rooted in the city’s famed friendliness, rich history, and diverse attractions. Known for its 15 kilometres of beach, over 230 colourful bathing establishments, 1,200 hotels, and numerous theme and amusement parks, Rimini also boasts 2,000 years of history with artistic masterpieces ranging from Roman to Renaissance periods. The city’s modern infrastructure further complements its cultural heritage, with the state-of-the-art Rimini Fiera Exhibition Centre and the new Palacongressi conference centre offering versatile spaces for conventions and events. Such facilities provide an ideal environment for showcasing the region’s tourism assets and encouraging investment in network logistics.
Rimini and San Marino International Airport ‘Federico Fellini’ plays a critical role in supporting the destination’s growing visitor numbers. Forecast to handle 450,000 passengers in 2025—a 50% increase from the previous year—the airport is set to expand its services to 27 destinations. As the second-largest airport in the region, it possesses the capacity to grow alongside increasing demand. By hosting Routes Europe 2026, Rimini aims to amplify its international profile and promote the Emilia-Romagna Region’s tourism offering with a strategic goal of attracting more than 65 million overnight stays by 2030 and doubling the tourism sector’s contribution to the regional GDP to 16%.
Airlines have already recognized Rimini’s potential, with British Airways launching its London Heathrow route this summer, thus opening long-haul connectivity for travellers headed to the United States and Canada. easyJet has expanded its services from Rimini to London Gatwick and EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, commencing in April 2025, while Spanish airline Vueling will introduce a new service to Barcelona El-Prat in July. These developments reinforce Rimini’s growing route network and its increasing importance as a hub in the region.
Roberta Frisoni, Emilia-Romagna Region Minister for Tourism, Trade and Sport, highlighted the opportunity that hosting Routes Europe presents. She emphasized that the event will strengthen the region’s airport network and solidify its reputation as an attractive international tourist destination, showcasing everything from motor vehicles and arts to seaside and active holidays. As the region prepares to welcome key decision-makers from the European route development community, the upcoming event in Rimini is set to drive further enhancements in air connectivity and economic growth, ensuring a vibrant future for the Emilia-Romagna tourism sector.
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