🔹 My apologies to those of you who like to start thinking about Christmas in December (or at least after American Thanksgiving), but I have to tell you: Lake Como Christmas events and news are here.
In my defence, forecasts were predicting some snow today. So hey, don’t shoot the messenger.
Before we jump in, some interesting numbers from the Lake Como Tourism Report:
📈 The number of accommodation locations grew +10% this year (but the number of employees -2%)
🏨 Half of the occupied beds came from 4 and 5 star hotels
⏱️ Average stay: 2.9 nights (3.4 in summer)
🌐 8/10 tourists are foreigners
🇺🇸🇨🇭🇬🇧 USA, Switzerland and UK are the main non-EU markets (followed by 11% Asia)
Ready? Let’s get into it.
-Simona
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🌟 Spotlight
Como is the #1 Tax-Free shopping province in Lombardy (besides Milano)
What’s Happening: Lake Como Tourism Report is here. Let’s explore tax-free shopping insights (if you'd like an English version, please send me an email).
Facts:
Como is the #1 Tax-Free shopping province in Lombardy (excluding Milan)
Tax-Free spending in Como keeps growing: +6% YoY
84% of spending comes from Fashion, Watches, and Jewelry
Arab tourist spending grew the most +24%
Americans and Swiss cover more than half of the total tax-free spending
Gen Z and Millennial spending is growing faster than average (+20% and +8%)
People over 58 years old spend the most per purchase - avg purchase is €840
Soccer and Cinema are named as the biggest drivers for increased spend.
What does it mean for us:
Lake Como is becoming a true luxury-retail hub (not just a scenic destination).
This increases demand for premium retail, boutiques, high-end F&B, and experiential shopping.
Younger affluent tourists are becoming powerful buyers.
Growth opportunities include design hotels, lifestyle dining, social-media-friendly experiences, street-luxury retail, and adventure/wellness products that resonate with younger high earners.
The tourist mix is shifting toward ultra-high spenders.
84% of spending comes from Fashion, Watches & Jewelry, and Americans + Swiss represent over half of total spend. We might need more premium and ultra-premium products, concierge services, private tours, and high-margin offerings because the spending elasticity is very high.
Opportunity for more local luxury product brands to offer authentic offers?
Are we missing something? Reply to this email and let me know.
🔹
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🏠 Real Estate
🏡 3 room apartment with with lake view in Blevio ($): €260K · 102m² ·
Lake view, covered parking space, attic apartment, shared terrace.
View
🏡 Townhouse Villa with lake views and access to pool ($$): €730K · 150m² ·
Panoramic lake views, a private garden, and access to a communal swimming pool. 10 minutes above Menaggio.
🏡 Apartment in a historical lakeside villa, Torno. ($$$): €1.695 M · 240m² ·
Apartment in 18 century built Villa Taverna. Renovated in 2015, has 3 levels, a parking, balcony and a historical garden.
View
🏢 Businesses for Sale
🏨 Restaurant/Bar for sale with an apartment upstairs, Moltrassio. €1M · 200 m² · Close to Passalacqua hotel. Outdoors space, 5 rooms.
View🧺 Self-service laundry, Como. €54K · 52 m² · Selling with full equipment, business is operational.
View🛍️ Commercial space to rent, Lecco. €1500/month · 42 m² · "Isolago" gallery.
View
💼 Job Opportunities
🏨 Culture & Entertainment Manager: Lake Como EDITION Hotel (Griante). A role to lead the scene and story behind restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues.
Apply💻 Lead Robotic Systems Engineer: D-Orbit (Lomazzo). • Master's or Ph.D. in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related is required.
Apply🏨 Brand & Entertainment Manager: Mama Shelter (Como). Opening mid 2026.
Apply
Have a property, business, or job to feature? Submit it here
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📅 Events This Week
Legend: 🎆 Festival · 🏛 Culture · 💡 Conference · 🍷 Food & Wine · 🎭 Opera/Art · 🎶 Music
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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.
And as always, I’m open to discussions and always waiting for your emails!
Connecting with you all has been the most rewarding experience.
You are in a great crowd here.
-Simona
