HOSPITALITY 2025 CLOSES ON A HIGH NOTE: INCLUSIVITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Thursday, February 6, 2025

The 49th edition recorded 20,000 visitors and over 750 exhibitors across all HoReCa segments
Next stop: Sanremo, to promote the values of the event and forge new connections with the worlds of music, cinema and tourism
Save the date: Riva del Garda, 2–5 February 2026, for a milestone celebration – the 50th edition.


The 2025 edition of Hospitality – Il Salone dell’Accoglienza has closed on a positive note. Organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, it is Italy’s leading international trade fair in the hospitality and catering sector. Four days of exhibitions, networking, events and experiences dedicated to the HoReCa world.


“This year, we welcomed 20,000 business visitors, a number underscoring the fair’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and high-quality offering for hospitality professionals,” points out Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. “ Notably, 26% of the 750 exhibitors were new companies, and the feedback from businesses returning to Riva del Garda to expand their ventures has been extremely positive. This confirms that Hospitality represents a key opportunity to connect with ideal partners and discover the latest market trends. It’s clear we’re heading in the right direction, and it’s crucial to continue investing and working towards an important milestone: the 50th edition.”


A Growing Community

Bringing together exhibitors and visitors from across all areas of hospitality were over 100 events featuring 160 renowned speakers. A common thread linked them all: innovation, technology and sustainability – essential themes for the future of HoReCa.


It’s a virtuous cross-pollination between different sectors, creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration,” states Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. “Hospitality is much more than a trade fair: it is a hub for discussion between professionals and experts – a place where ideas meet and intertwine, like communicating vessels of innovative experiences.


International Presence

The 2025 edition saw strong international participation, thanks to Hospitality’s extensive scouting efforts and its collaboration with ITA - Italian Trade Agency (ICE). Over 70 buyers from 20 strategic markets for the hotel and catering industries attended the fair, including: Albania, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary, Latin America, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and UK. The commercial sector was particularly attractive, drawing the interest of 50% of international buyers, while around 30% focused on Food & Beverage, where the value of Made in Italy is especially appreciated.


Visitors praised the high quality of the products and innovative solutions, with many stating they found inspiration for their businesses.  

 

The Voie of the Buyers

Ibrahim Youssef - Guest Experience & Quality Manager VIVIENDA Luxury Villas Hotel (Saudi Arabia)

“I have found a solution that, in my opinion, will bring a significant transformation to our business. It is a QR code that can be placed in guest rooms, allowing them to instantly access their personal applications, such as Netflix and Google, using their own credentials. As a luxury hotel chain, we are always looking for innovations that enhance our guests’ experience, ensuring the highest level of satisfaction and comfort. This technology perfectly aligns with our vision.”

 

Frank Schaal – CEO of BVCD Bundesverband der Campingwirtschaft, Federal Association of the Camping Industry (Germany)

“The camping industry in Germany is experiencing strong growth. The Hospitality trade fair is a valuable opportunity, bringing together entrepreneurs and companies that offer exciting solutions for our market. I witnessed a creative buzz and a strong focus on product and service quality. That’s why I am convinced that the ideas and contacts gained here will significantly contribute to improving our offering in the German market.”


Hospitality Looks to the Future: The 50th Edition Awaits in 2026

2026 will be a special year for Hospitality – Il Salone dell’Accoglienza, as it celebrates its 50th edition – a major milestone for an event that continues to set trends in an ever-evolving industry.


But the journey towards 2026 does not stop in Riva del Garda. Next week, Hospitality will take centre stage alongside WMF – We Make Future at Casa Sanremo, the official hospitality area of the Sanremo Music Festival – a space where important ideas and synergies are born. This will be another key opportunity to promote the values of the event – people, accessibility and innovation – and to forge new connections with the worlds of music, cinema and tourism.


“Hospitality’s participation in Casa Sanremo follows last year’s highly successful presence at Fuorisalone, where it showcased the FOR ALL project. These opportunities allow us to extend our commitment beyond the fair’s boundaries, advocating for a more accessible and inclusive hospitality industry. By engaging with different sectors, we bring the spirit of Hospitality into new and cross-industry spaces,” concludes Giovanna Voltolini, Exhibition Manager of Hospitality.


Next appointment: Riva del Garda for the 50th Edition – 2–5 February 2026. A special anniversary to celebrate half a century of innovation, passion and growth in the hospitality industry.