Lake Garda's 'blue economy' thrives beyond tourism

Lake Garda, long recognized primarily as a premier Italian tourist destination, is undergoing a significant economic transformation. While tourism remains vital, the region has cultivated a robust economy that extends far beyond hospitality and services. This evolving landscape now encompasses thriving sectors in nautical industries, manufacturing, mobility, sports, and the promotion of local products, collectively shaping a "blue economy" model.

This shift began in the post-World War II era, moving from a predominantly agricultural and fishing economy. Economic booms, infrastructure development, and international market integration have reshaped the territory. Today, Garda offers more than just vacations; it provides experiences in wellness, sports, culture, and services, fostering a widespread economic impact. "Over the decades, the lake has become a complex territorial system where tourism, services, nautical activities, sports, manufacturing, and the valorization of local products coexist and mutually reinforce each other," explains Mariastella Gelmini, president of the Comunità del Garda.

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Over the decades, the lake has become a complex territorial system where tourism, services, nautical activities, sports, manufacturing, and the valorization of local products coexist and mutually reinforce each other.

Visitor numbers have dramatically increased, reaching over 24 million annually, a substantial rise from approximately five million in the early 1990s, solidifying Garda's status as Italy's leading lake destination. However, Gelmini emphasizes that the region's value transcends tourist flows. Thousands of businesses in hospitality, commerce, catering, sports, nautical sectors, and services operate around the lake, generating employment and economic benefits that extend to the agri-food sector, culture, events, and real estate.

This evolution prompts a broader discussion on the role of large lakes in economic development. Gelmini notes that "blue economy" is often associated solely with the sea, but lakes share many dynamics with coastal areas. Garda uniquely integrates tourism, water mobility, nautical activities, professional fishing, and environmental protection in a delicate yet productive balance. She suggests that greater recognition could attract dedicated investments and policies.

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The blue economy is often associated exclusively with the sea, but the lakes share many of the dynamics typical of coastal areas.