Everything is ready for the 2026 edition of Hospitality – Il Salone dell’Accoglienza, the leading fair for the Ho.Re.Ca sector, which from 2 to 5 February, in Riva del Garda, will bring together experiences, accessibility initiatives, and a full program of events across the territory. This year marks the 50th edition, a special milestone celebrating a journey that began in 1979 with the first Expo Riva Hotel and has grown alongside the sector, integrating business, training, networking, and experiences both inside and outside the exhibition halls.
The Ho.Re.Ca Supply Chain
Spanning over 45,000 square meters, the Riva del Garda fair will host more than 750 exhibitors and a rich calendar of events, meetings, and seminars, confirming its role as a key reference point for one of the most strategic sectors of the Italian economy, which in 2024 generated a turnover of approximately 107.1 billion euros (2025 report by The European House – Ambrosetti in collaboration with Italgrob and AFDB).
“Even in 2026, we are seeing a high-quality presence of exhibitors representing the entire Ho.Re.Ca supply chain, supported by top-level strategic partnerships,” said Alessandra Albarelli, General Director of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. The focus on internationalization remains central, strengthened by the presence of over 60 buyers from 21 countries and incoming programs also organized in collaboration with ICE (Italian Trade Agency).
Hospitality, a winning format
The Hospitality format confirms the effectiveness of a consolidated structure, featuring an exhibition space divided into four thematic areas – Beverage, Contract & Wellness, Food & Equipment, and Renovation & Tech – complemented by RPM – Riva Pianeta Mixology, Spazio Vignaiolo, and Solobirra, special areas dedicated respectively to mixology, wine, and craft beer.
New this year is Dimensione Gusto, which broadens the perspective on local food and wine culture and its endless possibilities, showcasing the excellences of Garda Trentino. In the 2026 edition, the special areas will again be the stars of Hall B4 until Wednesday, 4 February, reinforcing the dialogue between products, sector culture, and social conviviality.
Particular attention is also given to open-air tourism, a strategic segment that generates an economic impact of approximately eight billion euros in Italy. This sector will be featured in the newly designed Outdoor Boom Hall ,and in Hall B2, with contract solutions tailored for outdoor environments, meeting a constantly evolving demand.
A rich schedule
The structured program of content accompanying and enhancing Hospitality’s exhibition offering is one of the fair’s key strengths. Hospitality Academy provides numerous training sessions, serving as reference points for professional development, while H Experience offers immersive, hands-on formats for actively engaging with the fair.
Highlights include accessibility initiatives with DI OGNUNO – Orizzonti Possibili, focused on open-air hospitality; the mixology journey The Spirits Escape, blending real and virtual experiences; insights on artificial intelligence applications for hotels, bars, and restaurants in the AI Playground; and the exhibition “Focus on Wellness: The Five Senses” by ADI VTAA, emphasizing the value of design and materials for wellness-oriented environments.
Additionally, on Wednesday, 4 February, thanks to the collaboration between FINE Italy and Hospitality, the complete report on Wine Tourism in Italy will be presented in preview, prepared by Roberta Garibaldi and SRM – Centro Studi, affiliated with Intesa Sanpaolo Group. This key document provides insights into the evolution of wine tourism, confirming its role as a strategic economic lever and a driver of skilled employment, while offering guidance to support sustainable growth for destinations and businesses in the sector.
