The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are expected to attract large crowds and generate a significant economic boost for the Lombardy capital. According to a study by the Confcommercio Research Centre for Milan, Lodi, Monza and Brianza, around 725,000 spectators are forecast for the Olympic Games and 73,000 for the Paralympics, with an overall economic impact estimated at €319 million. Average per-capita spending is expected to reach €440 for the Olympics and €424.50 for the Paralympics.
The analysis, conducted within a 4.5-kilometre radius of Milan’s city centre, shows strong occupancy levels across accommodation facilities. Hotels rated between three and five stars - around 500 properties - are recording an average occupancy rate close to 81 per cent. The short-term rental sector is slightly lower, with occupancy between 65 and 70 per cent, despite a broad supply of nearly 18,000 apartments.
Among bed and breakfasts, the most popular areas include Brera, Portello - home to the media centre - and Scalo Romana, where the Olympic Village will be located. In these neighbourhoods, the average daily rate stands at around €221.
The survey also points to a rise in last-minute bookings, particularly for air travel. The sharpest increases in flight prices to Milan have been recorded from southern Europe (+25.9 per cent), central Europe (+15.7 per cent), Oceania (+14.2 per cent) and northern Europe (+11.4 per cent). Overall, more than 745,000 arrivals are expected, marking a 15 per cent increase compared with last year.