How Is Dolomiti HoReca Fair Shaping Veneto’s Tourism Future?

October 9, 2024

The 4th Dolomiti HoReca fair is set to make a significant impact on Veneto’s tourism sector. Scheduled from October 6 to 8 at Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, this event targets professionals in the hospitality and catering industries, aligning with the region’s burgeoning tourism trends. The fair is crucial in positioning Longarone Fiere Dolomiti as a key hub for mountain tourism, especially in anticipation of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable, as it offers a vital convergence point for individuals and businesses vested in the hospitality sector. It has progressively embedded itself into the regional calendar since its inception in 2019, demonstrating its burgeoning significance.

Growing Importance in Regional Tourism

Since its inception in 2019, the HoReca fair has embedded itself firmly into Veneto’s tourism calendar, reflecting the broader trends of increasing tourism in the region. Michele Dal Farra, President of Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, emphasizes the fair’s swift integration and significance. The event has become a focal point for professionals from hotels, restaurants, and cafés, highlighting its critical role in the regional economic landscape. Its escalating prominence aligns perfectly with the preparations for the upcoming Winter Olympics, augmenting its strategic importance within the industry.

Belluno Province President Roberto Padrin underscores the fair’s dual function as a promotional tool and business magnet. By attracting both local and international companies, the fair strengthens the regional tourism infrastructure, enhancing the quality and readiness of services as the Olympics approach. This dual role is pivotal, as it does not merely showcase regional strengths but also actively works to improve the underlying tourist services framework. The traction it gains among industry professionals indicates its high value in shaping future tourism practices in Veneto.

Diverse Exhibitor Participation

The 2024 edition of the fair features a broad spectrum of exhibitors, representing a comprehensive cross-section of the industry. The event will see participation from 179 direct exhibitors and 207 corporate brands from 13 Italian regions and nine foreign countries. It includes sectors like equipment and systems, hotel supplies, large kitchens and systems, food products, catering, furniture, and software solutions. This extensive range demonstrates the inclusive and comprehensive nature of the fair, catering to all facets of the hospitality industry. Such diversity highlights the fair’s role as a one-stop hub for professionals seeking a complete overview of the industry’s latest offerings.

An important update for this year is a 10% increase in exhibition space. This expansion allows for a more extensive showcase of innovations and products, reflecting the event’s growing importance. The exhibition will include a historical display titled “Scie di gloria,” featuring winter sports equipment from the early 1900s to the present day, integrating a rich cultural context into the event. This historical display not only adds depth but also celebrates the region’s winter sports heritage, enriching the cultural fabric of the fair. It gives attendees a chance to connect with the history while exploring modern advancements.

Addressing Employment Challenges

One of the standout aspects of this year’s fair is its focus on tackling employment challenges within the tourism industry. In collaboration with Veneto Lavoro and local Employment Centers, the fair aims to bridge the labor market gap in the Dolomite region. This initiative includes a recruiting day on October 8, where businesses can meet with job seekers to fill over 120 open positions. Such efforts are essential, particularly in a sector poised for massive growth with the approaching Winter Olympics, enhancing the capacity and quality of the regional workforce.

Raffaella Bordin, head of Veneto Lavoro for Belluno, highlights the importance of this initiative, which began the previous summer. The recruiting day offers a streamlined hiring process, with more than 110 applicants from within and outside Belluno Province. This effort is part of a larger strategy to bolster the tourism workforce ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics. Successfully matching employers with suitable candidates not only addresses immediate employment needs but also prepares the regional labor market for long-term growth and sustainability.

Promoting Accessibility and Inclusivity

The fair further emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity in hospitality, a crucial consideration ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics. A conference titled “Universal hospitality: everyone is welcome,” organized by Confcommercio and Federalberghi, focuses on preparing for specialized hospitality needs, such as those for individuals with disabilities. The broader push towards inclusive practices underscores the region’s commitment to raising hospitality standards, ensuring that services are accessible to all visitors, thereby enhancing their experience.

Luca Dal Poz, director of Ascom Confcommercio Belluno, explains that improving accessibility inherently enhances the overall quality of hospitality. This session aims to showcase regional efforts to foster inclusivity, positioning the Belluno mountains as a region where accessibility is a standard, not an exception. Emphasizing accessibility ensures the region is prepared not only for the Olympics but also establishes long-term norms that elevate regional hospitality standards. Making these changes enhances the overall tourist experience, rendering the area more attractive to a broader audience.

Educational Opportunities and Masterclasses

HoReca 2024 is not just about exhibits and business meetings; it also offers numerous masterclasses and practical demonstrations. These sessions cover a range of skills and knowledge areas within the hospitality industry. Highlights include Japanese stone knife sharpening by Leonardo Donnini, pizza tastings, and pizza and wine pairings. By offering such specialized and hands-on learning opportunities, the fair positions itself as a key venue for professional development in the hospitality sector.

These activities aim to provide valuable learning experiences for industry professionals, enhancing their skills and knowledge. Consequently, the fair serves as a versatile learning platform, fostering continuous professional development while creating a collaborative environment for all attendees. Masterclasses not only contribute to individual skill enhancement but also promote networking opportunities, thereby enriching the overall professional landscape. They are instrumental in maintaining high standards within the industry, benefiting both service providers and their clientele.

Public Engagement and Open Access

The 4th Dolomiti HoReca fair is poised to leave a significant mark on Veneto’s tourism industry. Scheduled for October 6-8 at Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, the event is specifically aimed at professionals in the hospitality and catering sectors. This aligns perfectly with the region’s growing tourism trends. The fair is instrumental in establishing Longarone Fiere Dolomiti as a major center for mountain tourism, particularly with the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon. The excitement is palpable, as the event serves as a crucial meeting point for individuals and businesses in the hospitality sector. Since its inception in 2019, the Dolomiti HoReca fair has become an important fixture in the regional calendar, demonstrating its increasing significance. The event not only showcases the latest innovations and trends but also provides valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals, thus playing a pivotal role in fostering growth and collaboration within the tourism sector of Veneto.

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