1. In recent years, Lake Como has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. From your privileged perspective, how has tourism in the area changed?
Until just a few years ago, international tourists tended to visit only the most famous destinations, such as Bellagio, Como and Menaggio. Today, however, international tourism has spread throughout the entire area, reaching the surrounding valleys and even Brianza. Across Lake Como, international visitors now account for almost 90% of arrivals and overnight stays, with travellers coming from all over the world, although the majority are from the United States and Europe.
2. More and more travellers are choosing the eastern shore of Lake Como. What do you think are its main strengths?
The quality of the stay, the slow travel experience and the authenticity of the places. Unlike the most popular destinations, these locations have not become exclusively tourist-oriented but have retained their traditional character.
At the same time, if visitors wish to explore the lake’s iconic landmarks and magnificent historic villas, everything is within easy reach. Distances are short and there are many ways to get around: ferry, bus, train, car or private motorboat.
We should also remember that, unlike the Como branch and the upper lake, the entire eastern shore of Lake Como is served by the railway line connecting Milan with Tirano, in Valtellina, where the famous Bernina Red Train departs. The area is also connected to Milan Bergamo Airport via Bergamo railway station.
The quality of the accommodation available here is in no way inferior to that found in Como or Varenna. In fact, properties in the same category often offer an even higher standard. Another very important factor is cost: hotel rates are less than half those found in the central lake area, including Varenna, or in the lower Como basin, while restaurants also offer highly competitive prices.
For all these reasons, more and more people are choosing Lake Como East Side: the most authentic, beautiful and peaceful side of the lake, easy to reach and more affordable.
3. Lake Como East Side was created around a very specific idea of hospitality. What philosophy guides your project?
Lake Como East Side was born from our belief in the potential of the Lecco side of Lake Como, and particularly in the beautiful village of Malgrate, located just a few kilometres from Bellagio, directly opposite the city of Lecco and with direct connections to Milan via a toll-free highway and railway.
Our philosophy is to bring value and quality to tourism in this area. Our accommodation facilities, restaurants and bars, SPA, private motorboat, and event and business spaces all offer high standards, in many cases exceeding those of comparable properties in the Como area, while maintaining significantly lower rates.
More than ten years ago, we anticipated what would eventually happen with the tourism boom and understood the advantages this area of the lake would have compared with the increasingly crowded and expensive, better-known destinations.
4. Today’s travellers are looking for much more than just a hotel: they want authentic experiences. How important is it to offer a stay that combines hospitality, wellness, gastronomy and discovery of the local area?
Today, the experience is what truly matters. Travel has become an essential part of people’s lives, something they are increasingly unwilling to give up.
A hotel without services, or simply staying in an apartment, cannot provide the complete and unique experience that a quality hotel can offer: hospitality, safety, food and wine, wellness, excursions on the lake, outdoor adventures, art and culture, events and entertainment.
5. You are also President of Confcommercio Lecco. What are the most important challenges facing tourism in the area over the next few years?
The challenge is not to rely on a single model of tourism, but to innovate without losing our authenticity and to develop new opportunities and sectors.
One example is healthcare, where the area represents a centre of excellence on an international level in fields such as longevity and rehabilitation, thanks to institutions including the Lecco campus of Politecnico di Milano and rehabilitation centres such as Nostra Famiglia and Villa Beretta.
We are also working towards the development of a new multifunctional events and conference centre in Lecco over the coming years, with the capacity to host up to 2,000 people. This would further enhance the many advantages that the eastern shore of Lake Como can offer to an international audience.
6. If a guest were visiting Lake Como East Side for the first time and only had a weekend available, which three experiences would you definitely recommend?
If they were staying at Hotel Promessi Sposi or Casa sull’Albero, I would certainly recommend a tour aboard our luxury Cranchi E30 Endurance motorboat, including a visit to one of the historic villas in the central lake area.
Then I would suggest an aperitif on the rooftop, with its breathtaking views and relaxed, green atmosphere, followed by dinner overlooking the lake at Da Giovannino Bistrot or a gourmet dining experience at Lisander Restaurant.
To end the evening, I would recommend a relaxing walk along the Malgrate lakefront towards Lecco.
7. Is there a place on Lake Como that you feel particularly connected to and would recommend discovering at a slower pace?
Bellano. I would recommend visiting the Orrido di Bellano, exploring the historic centre of the village and discovering the museum and gallery dedicated to the painter Giancarlo Vitali.
8. How do you imagine Lake Como East Side ten years from now? What future do you envision for this area?
I envision a territory where tourism, universities and research, advanced services and manufacturing coexist and complement one another. A place that does not lose its identity, but continues to evolve.
