Itinerando has been suspended but perhaps it could take place later, pandemic permitting

The Covid-19 pandemic, especially at this time when the Omicron variant seems to have the upper hand, affects all sectors, including events and, in particular, trade fairs. In fact, Itinerando – Experiences in travel, dedicated to experiential tourism and which was to take place in Padua from January 29 to 30, 2022 has been suspended. And it is clarified “suspended” and not “suppressed” because Padova Hall, the company that owns the Fiera di Padova brand, after a discussion with the shareholders, will evaluate the relocation of the event based on the evolution of the pandemic and the needs of the reference.

“It was a painful decision”, comments Luca Veronesi, general manager of the Padua Fair. “Given the evolution of the epidemiological situation, the prolonged state of emergency and after listening to the operators, we felt responsible for suspending the event”.

It should be emphasized that even the latest Law Decree no. 221 of December 24, 2021 “Extension of the national state of emergency and further measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic”, which came into force on December 25, in addition to extending the state of emergency until March 31, 2022 introduced further restrictive measures regarding events and gatherings. In fact, Art. 6 states “From the date of entry into force of this decree until January 31, 2022, parties, however denominated, events similar to these and concerts that involve gatherings in open spaces are prohibited“. And in a fair there is the risk that some gatherings, perhaps even small ones, will form during the day.

“In recent days we have had to take note of a situation of uncertainty linked to the increase in infections and the spread of the Omicron variant, which led the Veneto region and the government to introduce new restrictions and recommendations. Compared to last autumn, the scenario has changed”, continues Luca Veronesi. “Itinerando is a fair that attracts a large audience and we have considered prudently to suspend the event. Among the reasons behind this difficult choice, also the fears expressed by the operators who, on the one hand, feared seeing the result of the fair compromised, on the other, expressed problems related to the procurement of material intended for outdoor use”.