by InTrieste
In an era where tourism shapes the very fabric of urban life, Guerrino Lanci, CEO of the local hotel association, is advocating for a paradigm shift in how cities approach this vital industry.
Lanci emphasized the need for a holistic view, suggesting that tourism should be considered a fundamental aspect of the entire city. “To help with tourism, we must develop a different way of thinking. Tourism is a property of the whole city, all cities, and it involves everyone in the tourism field,” he stated.
According to Lanci, the traditional concept of tourism, where visitors interact solely with hotels, bars, and services, is outdated. He envisions a model where tourists immerse themselves in the local culture, blending seamlessly with residents. “We want the kind of tourism that lives in the city, together with the citizens, joining local activities without impacting the natural city, the natural city system,” Lanci explained.
To achieve this vision, Lanci believes that significant development is required within the tourism sector. He pointed out that while there is a steady influx of visitors, the city must proactively plan and expand its infrastructure to prevent being overwhelmed. “We see a lot of people coming to the city, but now we need to schedule a project to enlarge the city center and manage the new touristic system,” he said.
Lanci warned that without strategic planning, the city’s unique charm and amenities could be at risk. “Otherwise, we would be overwhelmed by tourism, and the city could lose the properties, the amenities, and the original style that attract tourists in the first place,” he cautioned.
