by InTrieste
Pordenone is laying the groundwork for its designation as Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2027, with local and regional officials highlighting the city’s growing tourism sector and potential for economic development.
Regional Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism, Sergio Emidio Bini, met this week with Mayor Alessandro Basso to discuss coordinated efforts between the municipality, the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government, and the regional tourism agency PromoTurismoFVG. The meeting also included city officials overseeing culture, commerce, and economic development.
Tourism in Pordenone has been steadily increasing. In 2025, overnight stays in the city approached 150,000, up more than 12 percent from the previous year. Growth extended to the wider province, with the mountain resort of Piancavallo recording an 18 percent increase and the surrounding hinterland nearly 11 percent.
Officials said the regional government will support the city with cultural programming, promotional campaigns, and large-scale events, building on experience from the GO!2025 European Capital of Culture initiative. A total of €13 million has been allocated for projects connected to the 2027 program.
In addition to cultural initiatives, officials addressed infrastructure and commerce. The number of bed-and-breakfasts in the city has nearly tripled over two years, and funding opportunities are available to support hotel development. A new public grant program for businesses in the commercial district will provide €2,000 to €5,000 per company for digitalization and modernization.
City authorities have also mapped vacant retail spaces, part of a broader effort to align investments with local needs and strengthen the city’s commercial environment ahead of the cultural year.
Officials emphasized that collaboration between public institutions and local entrepreneurs will be essential to ensure that Pordenone’s role as Capital of Culture generates lasting economic and social benefits.
