Varese bets on sport to drive tourism and economy

A conference in Varese highlighted sport as a key driver for promoting the city and boosting its tourism and economy, with support launched for a bid to host the 2030 World Rowing Championships. Organized by the Alfredo Binda Cycling Society and Varese sei Tu during the Gran Fondo Tre Valli Varesine, speakers distinguished between standalone events and those creating lasting territorial impact. Sergio Terzaghi of Varese sei Tu said the city is becoming the latter, while Pierpaolo Frattini called the rowing bid "a dream we want to make reality." Data from Anna Deligios of the Varese Chamber of Commerce showed sports tourists also value nature (42.9%), culture (36.1%), fine dining (31.5%), and relaxation (25.7%) during their stays in Lombardy.