Debora Massari has recently taken office as the new Tourism Assessor of Lombardy, succeeding Barbara Mazzali from the Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. Massari has publicly announced her membership in FdI, emphasizing her commitment to the party’s values.
Focus on Enhancing Brescia’s Tourism
In her initial month in office, Massari has prioritized engaging with local communities to understand their needs. She recently returned from an immersive visit to Valtellina, gathering insights to share with her governing team.
Massari sees regional cooperation as essential for developing effective tourist policies. To this end, Visit Brescia has launched a management committee aimed at strengthening local tourism and enhancing competitiveness.
Impact of the Winter Olympics on Brescia
The upcoming Winter Olympics are expected to significantly boost tourism in Brescia. Massari anticipates an additional 3 million overnight stays, driven by spectators attending Olympic events. This would represent a 50% increase over the approximately 6 million overnight stays typically recorded across Lombardy in February and March 2024 and 2025.
- Expectations of 3 million new overnight stays.
- 50% increase in tourist presence.
- Projected rise of foreign visitor percentage from 60% to approximately 75%.
Massari emphasizes the importance of not just the Olympic influx, but also ensuring that the tourism growth is sustainable post-Games. Strengthening marketing efforts and supporting local brands are part of her long-term strategy for the region.
Political Background and Commitment
Massari’s political journey has been marked by a strong connection to FdI. She has been active in student organizations with right-leaning ideologies during her high school years but had not previously held a party membership until now.
Discussing her friendship with party leader Giorgia Meloni, Massari expressed mutual respect, stating that their longstanding connection has been one of support and shared values.
Massari’s appointment comes with high expectations, and she remains steadfast in her goal to enhance tourism and community engagement in Brescia and beyond.
