Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region—the destination for Routes Europe 2026—is focused on ambitious tourism goals and strategies as it builds on a successful 2023.
With 61.8 million overnight stays recorded last year, the region not only exceeded its 2022 numbers but also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with arrivals totaling more than 14.5 million. The area has particularly benefited from the resurgence of international tourism, which saw over 16.4 million overnight stays and 4 million arrivals.
Looking ahead, the Emilia-Romagna tourism industry has laid out clear medium- and long-term objectives. “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%,” says Andrea Corsini, councillor for mobility and transport, infrastructure, tourism and trade of the Emilia-Romagna region.
The region is also prioritizing greater internationalization of tourist flows, with a specific goal of attracting 4 million tourists from Germany and increasing the foreign market share to 35%. To facilitate this growth, the region is actively enhancing its regional airport system to better connect with key market areas.
The recent successful bid to host the 2026 edition of Routes Europe is pivotal in this strategy. “Hosting Routes Europe 2026 will provide a unique opportunity to position Emilia-Romagna and Rimini as leading tourist destinations in the global market,” Corsini adds. This event is expected to stimulate new investments, develop the region’s tourism offerings and strengthen the airport network across Rimini, Bologna, Forlì and Parma.
Rimini and San Marino International Airport, a key driver of the region's tourism, is currently undergoing modernization to improve infrastructure and ensure a better experience for travelers. The airport’s partnerships with 11 airlines and its service to 16 destinations are crucial for connecting the region to dynamic European and emerging markets.
Routes Europe 2026 will be held in Rimini, Italy, from May 18-20. The event will be hosted by The Emilia-Romagna region, the Municipality of Rimini and the Rimini and San Marino International Airport.
Speaking at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain, where details of Routes Europe 2026 were announced, Leonardo Corbucci, CEO of AIRiminum 2014 S.p.A - Rimini and San Marino International Airport, spoke to the strategic goals of the airport. “Rimini Airport is the gateway for the territory to Europe, and its promotion and development are a key element in maintaining Rimini as a cutting-edge city on an international level,” he says.
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