TTG of Rimini, the value of territories and the challenges of tourism

The world of tourism meets in Rimini under the sign of Exist, the theme of the 2026 edition of TTG Travel Experience and InOut – The Hospitality Community. In the pavilions of the Fair, over 2,800 exhibiting brands and 1,000 buyers from 75 countries are gathered, in an international context that, despite geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and rising living and air fuel costs, continues to look to the future through dialogue, relationships, and the sharing of ideas.

The event was opened by Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi. Among those present at the ceremony were Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Senate, Ireneusz Raś, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of Poland, Roberta Frisoni, Tourism Councillor of Emilia-Romagna, Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region, the Prefect of Rimini Giuseppina Cassone, and Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad. Also present were Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT, Pier Ezhaya, President of ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi, Franco Gattinoni, President of FTO, and Alberto Granzotto, President of FAITA Federcamping.

At the opening of the proceedings, Minister Mazzi himself highlighted the positive trend in tourist flows, citing data from September, with arrivals up 4.9% and presences up 5% compared to the same month of the previous year. In his speech, he also emphasized the role of hospitality and the need to better intercept flows, distributing them beyond the most congested destinations. The tourist, the minister noted, is not just a customer, but also an ambassador of the country, capable of telling and recommending visited destinations through their relationships and digital channels.

The situation for organized tourism is more complex, affected by international uncertainties. According to data cited by Astoi Confindustria Viaggi, revenues show a decline of 4.1%, while the desire to travel remains strong. Among the topics addressed was that of short-term rentals, on which the minister announced a discussion with representatives of the hotel and non-hotel sectors, aiming to identify possible points of balance.

Hosting the event were the leaders of Italian Exhibition Group: President Maurizio Ermeti, CEO Corrado Peraboni, Gloria Armiri, Group Exhibition Manager of the Tourism & Hospitality Division, and Nicola De Pizzo, Exhibition Manager.

In his speech, Ermeti recalled the significance of the theme Exist, which invites reflection on the value of time and the quality of experiences in a historical phase marked by profound transformations and an increasingly incisive role of technology. Travel can thus become an opportunity to rediscover a personal and authentic dimension, while for operators it becomes essential to center emotions, meanings, and quality of the offer.

This year we are also at the event, confirming our attention towards one of the reference appointments for national and international tourism. An opportunity to meet operators and partners, follow market evolution, and gather new stimuli for the upcoming challenges of the sector.

«Fairs tell the present of tourism, but above all contribute to shaping its future, enhancing the identities and creativity of territories. The TTG is one of the most important events in Italy and among the most esteemed in Europe and represents for me a source of inspiration, an essential moment of comparison and updating. Being here allows us to dialogue with our partners, consolidate collaborations, and develop new ideas and seize insights for the future>>  states Nevio D’Arpa, CEO and founder of BTM Italia, who just hours ago awarded the Liguria Region the “Sustainable Destination” prize, as part of the recognitions from The Data Appeal Company  (Almaviva Group) to enhance Italian destinations with the best tourism performances.

«A recognition  - he adds - that highlights the importance of promoting development models capable of combining attractiveness, sustainability, and enhancement of local identities. And it is in this scenario that fairs confirm their strategic function: not only commercial showcases but places of meeting and comparison where changes can be read, collaborations built, and new perspectives for tourism imagined. An approach that also accompanies our presence in Rimini, in a continuous dialogue with the market and the protagonists of the supply chain, to contribute to the growth of destinations and the enhancement of their identities>>.

Themes that are also found in the vision of BTM Italia, already at work for the 2026 edition, with Plural Singularity. The appointment is in Bari, Fiera del Levante, from February 24 to 26.