Emilia-Romagna Sets Ambitious Tourism Goals for Routes Europe 2026
The Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, selected as the host for Routes Europe 2026, is strategically enhancing its tourism goals following a successful 2023. The region recorded 61.8 million overnight stays last year, surpassing both its 2022 figures and pre-pandemic levels, with over 14.5 million arrivals. This growth has been significantly driven by the revival of international tourism, which accounted for more than 16.4 million overnight stays and 4 million arrivals.
Looking to the future, Emilia-Romagna’s tourism sector has established clear medium- and long-term objectives. Andrea Corsini, the region’s councillor for mobility, transport, infrastructure, tourism, and trade, stated, “We aim to achieve progressive, sustainable, and stable economic growth, targeting over 65 million overnight stays by 2030 and doubling the tourism sector’s contribution to the regional GDP from 8% to 16%.”
A key component of this strategy is increasing the internationalization of tourist flows, with a specific target of attracting 4 million visitors from Germany and raising the foreign market share to 35%. To support this growth, the region is actively enhancing its airport system to improve connectivity with key markets.
Winning the bid to host Routes Europe 2026 is pivotal for the region’s tourism ambitions. Corsini emphasized, “Hosting Routes Europe 2026 will provide a unique opportunity to position Emilia-Romagna and Rimini as leading tourist destinations in the global market.” The event is anticipated to drive new investments, expand tourism offerings, and strengthen the airport network across Rimini, Bologna, Forlì, and Parma.
Rimini and San Marino International Airport, essential for the region’s tourism, is currently undergoing modernization to enhance infrastructure and traveler experience. The airport collaborates with 11 airlines, servicing 16 destinations crucial for connecting the region to dynamic European and emerging markets.
Routes Europe 2026 will take place in Rimini, Italy, from May 18-20, co-hosted by the Emilia-Romagna region, the Municipality of Rimini, and Rimini and San Marino International Airport. During the Routes World 2024 event in Bahrain, Leonardo Corbucci, CEO of AIRiminum 2014 S.p.A – Rimini and San Marino International Airport, highlighted the airport’s strategic importance, stating, “Rimini Airport is the gateway for the territory to Europe, and its promotion and development are key to maintaining Rimini as a cutting-edge city on an international level.”
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