The region’s president explains the key role the lakes play for the whole area and the crucial importance of continuing to promote them.
Lakes as a key tool for the area, a tourist reference point. Alberto Cirio, Piedmont region president, analyses the present and future of the lakes.
“What role do you see lakes playing in the area’s collective symbolic heritage? What is it that makes them such an integral part of the area’s identity and such a magnet for visitors?”
Lakes are an extraordinary heritage of Piedmont’s, both for their beauty and for the unique nature of the landscape which attracts tourists and lake-lovers from all over the world. We owe our lakes a great deal: Piedmont is a tourist destination because of its lakes. The lakes achieved international fame well in advance of other parts of the region – an example is Turin which is now one of the jewels in our crown but only over the last 20 years – and it has remained so on the strength of tourist facilities of the highest standard, top quality accommodation and its wealth of tourist attractions.
“What actions and strategies is the region adopting to promote the lakes in integrated transport, economic development and tourism promotion terms?” In this framework the region is continuing to work to promote tourism in the lakes area. In 2024 1.38 million people visited this part of Piedmont and stayed a total of 4.66 million days, and initial 2025 figures confirm this tourist popularity, especially overseas. In August Lake Maggiore will also feature as one of the Piedmontese stages of the Vuelta bike tour which will be starting in Italy for the first time and specifically from Turin and Piedmont. The red jersey race will get to the lake on 23 August, on the first stage starting at Venaria Reale and ending in Novara.
“Do you have any personal memories linked to lakes or a special place which embodies your relationship with this area?”
A middle school trip to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore. It was my first trip away from my home town Alba and I will always remember that legendary island which has remained with me and I still consider one of the area’s most beautiful places.
