Culture and sport: Kompatscher suggests the course for future tourism

Culture and sport: Kompatscher suggests the course for future tourism

The fourth edition of the Festival of Regions and Autonomous Provinces will take place in Venice on May 19, 2025. At this important event, Governor Arno Kompatscher moderated a working table that dealt with major events, tourism, culture and sport. Participants from various regions of Italy, including Stefania Proietti, Matteo Bianchi and Federico Caner, discussed central issues for the future of the regions.

Kompatscher highlighted the economic importance of culture and cited the South Tyrolean Archeology Museum as an example. In addition, the role of the 2026 Winter Olympics as a form of major event was examined. During the discussions, the need to design events and tourism initiatives in such a way that they create real added value for visitors and the region was emphasized.

Developments in tourism

A central theme was also “deseasonalization” in order to avoid overloading tourist hotspots and to extend guests’ stay times. Those present agreed that it is time to close the gap between their own territory and tourism.

The opening speeches were given by prominent representatives, including Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, and Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro. In his welcoming remarks, President Sergio Mattarella spoke about the importance of autonomy and Europe's role in resolving international conflicts.

Kompatscher emphasized that South Tyrol is considered an example of resolving disputes through autonomy. In addition, Martina Leitner and Renate Mayr presented information on sustainable mobility at the state of South Tyrol's stand, supported by Martin Vallazza and Michael Andergassen.

2026 Winter Olympics

Another significant item on the agenda is the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with competitions in various locations, including Antholz in South Tyrol. The biathlon competitions will take place there from February 8th to 21st, 2026 in the Olympic Arena South Tyrol, which has been an international reference point for this sport since 1971.

Antholz has not only hosted six Biathlon World Championships, but also hosts World Cup races every year. The well-known biathlete Dorothea Wierer from Niederrasen and Lisa Vittozzi from Cadore will be part of the Italian biathlon team. On January 27, 2026, the Olympic torch relay will begin in Bolzano and run through Cavalese and Trento.

The Olympic Village will be located in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where, among other things, the competitions in women's alpine skiing as well as bobsleigh, skeleton, tobogganing and curling will take place. The XIV Paralympic Winter Games will also take place in Italy, from March 6th to 15th, 2026, with biathlon competitions in Antholz.

In order to meet the high demand, measures for effective mobility management are already being planned. This includes identity checks in the so-called red zone of Antholz Mittertal and vehicle checks in the entrance area of ​​the valley. Free public transport, represented by bus route 431, will be available to both the local population and guests. An agreement was also reached between South Tyrol and the Ministry of the Interior to train a special state police unit for the Olympic Games in the Safety Park driving safety center in Pfatten.

The developments indicate that the events of the coming years will not only strengthen tourism, but also make an important contribution to the economic development of the region.

Coverage of this event and the Olympic Games can be found at South Tyrol News and South Tyrolean country.