Inbound tourism to Italy is a cornerstone of the Gattinoni Group’s business strategy. Through its subsidiary Egocentro, which includes Firmatour, the Group focuses on consolidating its presence in key markets while exploring new opportunities for growth and development.
Tailored travel offers across key markets
This is confirmed by Mario Vercesi, managing director of Gattinoni Travel, who explains how "the main reference markets in the inbound sector are France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The operator hasmany products on offer, both for organized groups and individual travellers, as well as for different targets.” Vercesi lists these and they include seaside holidays on the Adriatic Riviera, guided tours with a special focus on the Emilia-Romagna region, city breaks and cultural holidays as well as local experiences such as wine and food tours, cycling tourism, and trekking in the hills. The list goes on with stays with seniors, hotel accommodation for international sports tournaments and for following sporting events and also the organization of corporate meetings and congresses.
What are the main investments in the pipeline?
"The investments we are introducing to increase volumes from foreign markets aim at repositioning the Firmatour Incoming brand on the market with strategic sales actions. Such as attending the most important fairs like the ITG in Berlin, the French market workshop in Paris, and workshops for European markets. Without neglecting our core business which is focused on Emilia Romagna, where Firmatour is a leader in tourist accommodation, our future objective will be to open sales to other destinations in Italy such as Sicily and Sardinia.”
What is the feedback from the market this year?
“To date we have substantially broken even compared to last year. The outlook for 2026, in addition to the consolidation of historic customers, is aimed at finding new foreign buyers. Depending on the target customers we deal with, we will try to offer products in line with the different demands."
What are your next steps in the trade arena?
"Among the main investments we have made so far, there is the monitoring of and participation in international trade fairs. We are also strengthening the commercial area, which is looking at new markets, particularly European markets and focusing on specific targets. For France, for example, we have noticed an increase in demand for senior tourism and we are focusing on this. Theen the consolidated customers we have on the Dutch and German markets have expressed their desire to grow the sports target by increasing the events to be proposed in Romagna from 2026.”
What is your global vision regarding the inbound market?
We’ve recorded a decline in demand for medium- to long-term stays, particularly in the Romagna area, while interest is growing in tours and mini-tours focused on local specialties and regional excellences that offer strong artistic and cultural appeal.”
