An important anniversary
Exactly 100 years ago, in 1926, Italy established its first local tourism boards, known as Aziende di Cura, di Soggiorno o di Turismo. Among them was the organisation in Riva del Garda, the forerunner of today’s Tourism Board, Garda Dolomiti – Azienda per il Turismo.
The history of tourism in the Northern Lake Garda (Alto Garda) area began much earlier, in the 19th century. However, 1926 marks the creation of an independent organisation dedicated to welcoming visitors and supporting the development of the tourism sector.
It is a significant milestone, and one we would like to celebrate together with the entire Garda Trentino community.
A long history of tourism on Lake Garda
The history of tourism in the Alto Garda area began long before the Tourism Board was established and is closely intertwined with the social and economic development of the area. To explore and share this rich heritage of entrepreneurship, hospitality and destination promotion, we will be hosting a series of events and initiatives from June to November.
Programme
4 July – 18 October
“Visit Lake Garda!”
Riva del Garda – MAG
Exhibition of historic tourism posters.
3 July – 6.00 pm: Exhibition opening
6 July – 7.00 pm
Alto Garda. Dove il turismo ha una storia (Alto Garda. Where Tourism Has Deep Roots)
Riva del Garda - Palazzo dei Congressi
Presentation of a new historical study by Enzo Bassetti on local tourism.
20 July – 31 August
Once Upon a Time
Riva del Garda, streets in the town centre
Open-air exhibition of enlarged vintage postcards depicting Riva del Garda.
5 October – 6.00 pm
Italians, Visit Trentino
Riva del Garda – Palazzo Martini
When mountains and tourism served the cause of Italian irredentism.
Historical talk exploring how the mountains were promoted for tourism and how tourism itself became a tool in the process of integrating Trentino into Italy.
Event organised in collaboration with the SAT section of Riva del Garda.
9 October – 6.00 pm
From Postcards to TikTok
Riva del Garda – Rocca
How tourism communication has evolved, from printed postcards to Artificial Intelligence.
24 October–1 November 2026
Geografie Illustrate – Artist Posters for Garda Trentino
Riva del Garda – MAG – Museo Alto Garda
At MAG, 40 artist-designed posters offer fresh perspectives on Garda Trentino, blending tradition and contemporary illustration
Opening and awards ceremony: 24 October 2026, 11:00 am
All events will be held in Italian.
Community Events for Visitors
Hospitality also takes shape through the many events organised by local associations and volunteer groups. These occasions help visitors feel part of the local community during their stay in Garda Trentino. Some have become long-standing traditions of the summer season, while others are more recent. What they all share is the desire to bring people together.
Read moreGeografie Illustrate – Artist Posters for Garda Trentino
The 40 finalists of the international competition are on display at MAG – Museo Alto Garda. Launched this year, the competition set out to create an original tourism poster for Garda Trentino, drawing inspiration from the great tradition of 20th-century illustrated travel posters. Bringing together the history of tourism communication and contemporary illustration, the exhibition explores new ways of portraying our region.
Opening and awards ceremony: 24 October 2026, 11:00 am
MAG – Museo Alto Garda, Riva del Garda
Exhibition dates: 24 October–1 November 2026