Veneto, the top Italian region for tourism in 2023, is leveraging the 2026 Winter Olympics and its UNESCO sites.
Preserving rare arts and crafts
The top Italian region for tourism in 2023 with 73 million visitors and a turnover of €18 million, Veneto recognizes tourism as a key driver. Its strengths include nine UNESCO World Heritage sites (the second-highest number in Italy) and three MAB Biosphere reserves - Po Delta, Po Grande, and Monte Grappa – as well as two intangible heritage sites, the art of glass beads and Tocatì traditional street games, that preserve increasingly rare arts and crafts. 
Conegliano Hills - Veneto
An intelligent and climate-sensitive destination
Embracing the concept of slow tourism, aligning with new travel motivations, and emphasising sustainability and climate adaptation, the Veneto region aims to position itself as one of the first "intelligent & climate-sensitive" European destinations.
“The Olympics add to the charm of unique wonders”
Federico Caner, regional councillor for tourism emphasises the allure of its UNESCO sites as a strong attraction, highlighting destinations like the UNESCO site of Cortina which will gain global visibility with the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan Cortina 2026. “The Olympics add to the charm of unique wonders such as the 14th-century frescoes and the Botanical Garden in Padua, the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the the Palladian villas, not to mention Vicenza and Venice and its lagoon,” said Caner.
Villa Pisani - Veneto
The 2nd International Exchange of UNESCO Sites
The opportunities presented by the 2026 Games extend beyond the sporting event and include synergies between the various areas involved. From May 29 to 31, in Castelbrando (TV), the 2nd International Exchange of UNESCO Sites will bring together Italian and foreign tour operators, together with the specialised press, to explore the area which will be home to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
