🔹 Hello, Lake Como.
Congrats to Como 1907! The city is buzzing after that historic leap into the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals (the first one in 40 years?).
Between the Winter Olympics, Carnival, Valentine’s, and two fresh openings (see ICYMI), this is the most electric February on record.
Bonus: Air transport strikes are suspended for the Games, so it's smooth flying for now.
It’s a lot to track - let’s dive in.
-Simona
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🔦 Spotlight: Tourism Keeps Rising

What's Happening:
Italy has officially solidified its position as the most desired destination for 2026, capturing 13.4% of all total travel intent in Europe. The sector’s impact on national GDP has hit €237.4 billion, with international arrivals forecasted to grow by 1.9% this year to reach 107.74 million.
Facts:
Spending Power: International tourist spending is beating "record after record," with the luxury segment projected to generate outsized value as affluent travelers stay longer and spend more.
Lakeside Luxe: Bookings for Lake Como rose by 17.1% this year, while Lake Garda jumped 42.5%.
The "Olympic" Multiplier: The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics is generating up to €5.3 billion in economic benefits, attracting a high-purchasing-power audience through February.
Sustainable Mandate: 93% of travelers in Italy now consider sustainability a necessity, driving demand for eco-certified properties and intentional travel.
What does it mean for us:
Quality over Quantity: The days of "mass tourism" are fading for Lake Como. The new goal is to attract fewer, but wealthier, visitors who stay longer and spend more at local businesses.
The Olympic Boost: With Milan hitting full capacity for the 2026 Games, Como is the go-to "luxury overflow". Local home renters, did you notice an overflow this month?
The Scarcity Win: You can't build more lakefront. Because supply is capped and global demand is at an all-time high, your property is essentially a "limited edition" asset that holds its value.
Goodbye, Seasonality: Between the Olympics and new year-round luxury resorts, the "winter ghost town" era is potentially ending. Are we moving toward a 12-month economy? Numbers say yes.
What's your take? Are we missing anything important?
⭐ In Case You Missed It
✨ Openings
🏨 San Gottardo Returns. After nearly 40 years, the historic Hotel San Gottardo has officially reopened as a Radisson Collection hotel.
🍕 Sardinian Slice. Pigis Pizza has landed on via Milano, introducing authentic Sardinian "wallet-style" pizza.
🏗️ Local Projects & Life
👟 Club Couture. Football meets the street as Como 1907 partners with Adidas for a limited-edition Handball Spezial sneaker.
🧥 Brazil’s Larian Look. Lake Como local Remo Ruffini and Moncler have designed the official Olympic uniforms for Brazil.
💰 Real Estate & Business
📊 The Effort Gap. New data shows that renting in Italy now demands 28% of household income, while buying with a mortgage takes only 18%.
🔮 Pre-Season Predictions. Experts are weighing in on the 2026 real estate market, forecasting a strategic window for buyers as interest rates and supply begin to shift.
📝 Tax Watch 2026. A breakdown of the new Italian tax return regulations is out.
🌍 Tourism & Global Mentions
🏆 Vogue’s Gold Standard. Vogue has updated its definitive guide to the lake’s best hotels, cementing Como’s status as the ultimate strategic front for international luxury groups.
📍 The Airbnb Edit. Looking for private villa vibes? Vogue also spotlights the top-tier Airbnb stays that are defining "lake life" for the 2026 season.
🏠 Real Estate

🏡 3 Room Renovated Villa, Nesso ($$): €540K · 122m² ·
Lake views, 5 meters from the lake, 2 floors, energy efficiency: B.
View

🏡 3 Bedroom Apartment, Carate Urio ($$): €900K · 185m² ·
The recently renovated lakeside house with garden and lake view. 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
View

🏡 4 Room Apartment, Como ($$): €990M· 163m² ·
City and lake views. Double garage, 2 bathrooms.
View
🏢 Businesses for Sale
🏢 Office for auction in Via Milano, Como. €171K · 166 m² . Energy efficiency: D, parking spot included, date of sale 3/18/26.
View🍕Modern restaurant/bar for transfer, Como. €110K · 49 m² · Rent - 4166 Eur/month. In the historical center of Como, arranged on two levels, the property was entirely renovated at the end of 2024.
View🚗 Car Wash for transfer, Lecco. €350K · 1700 m² · Rent - 3400 Eur/month. Approximately 20,000 cars are washed per year. Price recently reduced.
View
💼 Job Opportunities
🏨 Deputy Director/ Resident Manager: Bellagio Belvedere (Bellagio). Primary responsibility - ensure the daily operation of the hotel.
Apply🌌 CTO: Aerospace & GeoAI (Como). European deep-tech startup building stratospheric aerospace platforms.
Apply🥂 Marketing Assistant: Spuma (Carate Urio). A catering studio that is behind some of the most recognised Lake Como events.
Apply
Have a property, business, or job to feature? Submit it here
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📅 Events This Week
Legend: 🏛 Culture · 🎭 Theatre · 🎶 Music · 💼 Business · 🎉 Carnival
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That’s all for this week!
If you found something interesting, make sure to forward this email to your curious friends.
↓ Have something to share? Hit the reply button - I personally reply to all the emails.
- Simona



