Rimini, September 4, 2026 – “In a few weeks the Island of the Plane Trees will become a desert.” Mery Alesiani, owner of the historic Mery Claud, opened since the Seventies in the heart of Bellaria, does not mince words to describe “a trade that will struggle to hold up in the cold months.” “Many merchants choose to work only during the season.”
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“Operating costs weigh heavily, events are needed even off-season”
According to Alesiani, what weighs “are the operating costs and a city that loses movement off-season.” “E-commerce, large-scale distribution, and the crisis are suffered. People struggle to stay afloat and, if there is no foot traffic during the winter months, even staying open becomes difficult.” Hence a prediction: “In the coming months up to five shops could close in the Island of the Plane Trees and along Viale Guidi alone there are already about ten long-empty ones.”
Fairs are good, but events capable of attracting audiences from outside are needed
“Bars and restaurants resist better,” while “clothing and footwear are the most fragile”
Those who resist better, she adds, are “bars and restaurants,” while “clothing and footwear are the most fragile.” Then there is the issue of venues changing management. “In recent years, bazaars run by entrepreneurs of foreign origin have increased – notes Alesiani –. Many properties are owned by Bellaria families: some, faced with the prospect of a secure rent, accept it, while others choose not to.” For Alesiani, however, the point is to create reasons to come to Bellaria even in winter. “Fairs are good, but events capable of attracting audiences from outside are needed.”
Too often events entertain tourists who are already here, but do not attract new customers
The issue of the tourist tax
And she directly calls into question the tourist tax, applied since 2025. “In the first year it brought in almost 1.7 million euros. For years we did not have that money: now that it is here, part must also be invested in commerce and winter.” Confesercenti also weighs in on the issue. “Bellaria first of all needs a strong identity – specifies president Giulia Silvagni –. Too often events entertain tourists who are already here, but do not attract new customers. For autumn and winter, a plan capable of also attracting the inland audience is needed, with strong and recognizable appointments.”
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