The countdown has begun: the 50th edition of Hospitality – Il Salone dell’Accoglienza, scheduled in Riva del Garda (Italy) from February 2 to 5, 2026, is already shaping up to be record-breaking. Just five months before opening, over 400 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, with more than 50% being returning companies from the last edition and 15% new entries, particularly in the Food & Equipment, Contract & Wellness, and Beverage sectors.
“These numbers make us proud and confirm the trust of exhibiting companies as well as the appeal of the event. This special edition aims to best embody the spirit of Hospitality: inclusive, collective, and future-oriented,” says Giovanna Voltolini, Exhibition Manager of Hospitality.
The results also highlight the growing importance of the HoReCa sector in the Italian economy. In 2024 alone, the industry generated €107.1 billion in turnover (+23% compared to 2019), employing 1.5 million people across 382,000 businesses.
A fair that puts people at the center
The successful format of Hospitality remains unchanged: 45,000 sqm of exhibition space divided into four macro-areas (Beverage, Contract & Wellness, Food & Equipment, Renovation & Tech) and three special areas dedicated to craft beer, mixology, and wine. A rich training program and immersive experiences for professionals are also on the agenda.
At the 2026 edition of Hospitality, the “Outdoor Boom” pavilion has been confirmed: an immersive pathway inspired by campsites, glamping and recreational areas, designed to offer a sensory experience and showcase the evolution of open-air hospitality – a sector enjoying strong growth in Italy, with over 11 million arrivals and an economic impact of €8 billion.
Within the same context, the Best Camping Village Awards will also make their debut, organised by Teamwork in collaboration with Hospitality, to celebrate Italian excellence across eight categories ranging from sustainability to hospitality, judged by a panel of industry experts, with the final awards ceremony scheduled for 4 February 2026.
But the 50th edition will be celebrated in a special way, with the new advertising campaign “Celebrating with you”. The campaign features a black-and-white collective toast that encapsulates the essence of the show: a place where stories, faces, and relationships intertwine, celebrating not only industry professionals but also those working behind the scenes.
“We wanted to highlight the authentic, human side of the fair, made up of passion, professionalism, and dedication, which for 50 editions has contributed to the growth of both the event and the industry,” notes Alessandra Albarelli, General Director of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.
This milestone edition will also reward exhibitors through special recognitions across several categories: from historical participants to innovators, from those with a strong focus on sustainability to those excelling in audience engagement. On the official website, a dedicated anniversary page will allow companies to share memories and testimonials, contributing to the creation of a collective memory of the industry.
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