by InTrieste
Tourism in Gemona del Friuli has seen a marked increase in recent years, with foreign visitors driving much of the growth, according to local officials.
In 2025, the town welcomed nearly 50,000 tourists, representing a 15.4 percent increase over the previous year and a 33 percent rise compared with 2019, before the pandemic. International visitors now make up roughly two-thirds of total arrivals, a 65.1 percent increase since 2019, officials said.
The town is expected to play a central role in regional tourism this year, hosting several high-profile events, including the 50th anniversary commemorations of the 1976 earthquake, the Triveneto Alpine gathering in June, and the penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia on May 30. Local authorities said these events offer opportunities to boost Gemona’s visibility on national and international stages.
Sergio Emidio Bini, the regional councillor for productive activities and tourism, discussed these developments in a meeting with Gemona Mayor Roberto Revelant, focusing on outdoor tourism, international promotion, and the enhancement of cycling routes and pilgrimage paths.
Gemona sits at the crossroads of major regional cycling routes and hosts internationally recognized facilities for paragliding and religious walks, including the Cammino di Sant’Antonio, Italy’s first devotional path accessible by both foot and bicycle. Officials noted the town’s appeal to international visitors as a key area for development, supported by promotional initiatives from PromoTurismoFVG and the region’s updated tourism regulations.
“The collaboration between the regional and local governments is essential to consolidate the progress made,” Mr. Bini said. “The new Regional Code for Commerce and Tourism provides modern tools that explicitly recognize slow tourism — including cycling, walking trails, and outdoor activities — as strategic for regional development. Gemona and the surrounding Sportland area have led the way, serving as a model for leveraging natural assets and attracting international visitors.”
Mr. Bini added that promoting outdoor and slow tourism is not only a sustainability measure but also a practical economic strategy, with tangible benefits for the local economy.
