In Italy, Russian tourism "is worth 2 per cent of turnover". Minister Massimo Garavaglia said this at the presentation of the Bit, the tourism exchange, which will take place at Fieramilanocity from 10 April. The effects of the conflict with Ukraine could therefore weigh more in some situations, in others less.
Sardinia will probably also come to terms with declining numbers, but counter-moves are already being studied in Costa Smeralda. The strategy is to strengthen already consolidated markets such as the Arab, American, Swiss, Northern European and Italian markets.
To give two examples, in Rimini the Russians were less present for the coronavirus pandemic, in Sicily, in Taormina, the governor of the Region said that "the elimination of Russian tourism will be a blow".
In Costa Smeralda there are different forecasts. "Already in 2008 - explains Paolo Costi, global luxury specialist, and an expert above all in the sector of the sale and rental of prestigious properties - the Sardinian real estate and tourist market had contracted and we suffered a crisis with a lowering of prices of 30 per one hundred. Then, the same problem repeated itself with Covid so much that we thought it would be a tragedy. On the other hand, particularly in Sardinia, the real estate market has maintained its stability thanks to an adequate and strategic pricing policy. Indeed, in some cases we have generated really interesting numbers, working a lot with Italian tourists both of high and medium purchasing power ”.
"We will certainly miss the Russians, we cannot deny this", clarifies Costi. “Above all we will miss the oligarchs who are able to spend up to 250 million euros in a month, creating an induced in terms of employment and trade. But luckily we have international tourism that seems to compensate. We are also able to attract other types of rich people willing to invest in Costa Smeralda, both in purchase and in leasing ". On the other hand, as desired by our founder, our history has always been based on tourism from all over the world ".
“We are a people of workers who are not easily discouraged”, concludes Costi. “Won't the villas be rented or sold to the oligarchs? Well, we will give them to others, even if forced to lower the prices a little. The Russians will be replaced by other buyers, including Italians, because there continues to be strong demand from many parts. It will also mean that in addition to Arab, European or American tycoons, we will work with pride and great satisfaction in making the holidays even more special for our compatriots. Sardinia and the Costa Smeralda will always remain a timeless myth ".
(Unioneonline / ss)
