Italy, one of the major exhibition markets in Europe, is also reopening its exhibitions and business events sector. The national government has allowed the regions to set their respective opening dates.
- The Bolzano region allowed exhibitions and congresses to run again on June 12.
- The Tuscany region (Florence) did likewise on June 13.
- Rimini and Bologna opened congresses as of June 15.
- In the Lazio region (incorporating Rome), fairs and congresses are listed as activities that are allowed again as of June 15. Capacity will remain limited to 1,000 outdoor participants or 200 participants per room in closed places. Physical distancing rules remain in place, with a minimum distance of one meter between staff and participants.
- The Lombardy region (including Milan and Bergamo) will allow for exhibitions and congresses to be held again as of July 14.
“More regions are expected to make announcements in the coming days”, says Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Manager for Europe. Momentum for reopening of exhibitions, including venues, is gathering pace in Europe, where Austria has also declared itself open for exhibitions again. Exhibitions and conventions are possible again in Austria, with new regulations coming into place on 15 June.
Austrian Minister for Tourism, announced the decision, saying: “Tradefairs and congresses can now take place in Austria again. The necessary regulation has now been completed and will come into force (15 June). “The entire event industry has suffered greatly from the corona-related restrictions of the past few months,” said the Tourism Minister, Köstinger. “It is important that operations can now be started up again. Clear and simple rules and a concrete timetable give the industry prospects again.” Travellers arriving in Austria, however must produce a medical certificate proving a negative Covid-19 test. The certificate cannot be more than four days’ old
