«It is an additional offer, much appreciated by tourists who come to Bolzano to see the market and take the opportunity to take a carriage ride to discover the beauties of the city. It has that romantic something that pleases: it is also done in Salzburg or Vienna. This is why together with the Municipality we are working to be able to bring the horse carriage back to the Christmas Market.” As Roberta Agostidirector of the Tourist Board, yesterday was the first day of the Christmas Market with a good influx of tourists; but the event opened without the traditional presence of the horse-drawn carriage.
Team K’s motion
In fact, in March a motion by Team K councilors Matthias Cologna and thomas Brancaglion was approved by the city council, according to which «exposing animals, especially horses, to traffic on busy streets or narrow alleys full of people is an unsuitable activity and risky.” It seemed like a definitive stop, after the administration’s wavering behavior over the years. This time to,however,the last word has not been said.So much so that the councillor Johanna Ramoser he’s working on it, to get them back.
The choice route
«In Piazza Walther and under the Portici – he explains – the space,also given the strong tourist presence,is what it is. For this reason we have identified an alternative route between Piazza Domenicani, Ponte Talvera and via Leonardo da Vinci. I know it’s complicated,but I’ll try. I have to wait for the opinion of the technicians, because the risk is of obstructing the passage of buses and creating traffic problems. However, if the green light arrives, I will bring the resolution to the municipal council on Monday.” But the councilor Stefano Fattor he immediately puts his hands forward: «I vote against. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no question of bringing back the horses and carriage. First of all, because it is dangerous: it doesn’t take much to make a horse go crazy in a crowd. In addition to this there is the traffic aspect. it would be unthinkable to move the carriage route,starting it from Piazza Domenicani. It would be madness, considering that around 2,400 buses pass through there every day; 1,200 in one direction and the same in the other. In particular, on the three weekends in December, it would mean total traffic paralysis.”
In defense of animals
We would like to remind you that the animal rights associations are also extremely opposed to the return of horses and carriages and have been fighting for years for the abolition of the use of animals during events organized by the tourist office such as the Christmas Market, which represents a stressful context, in the midst of crowds of people, music and asphalt pavements. “In recent years however – assures Agosti – there has been maximum attention to managing the animals in the best possible way,trying to reduce possible inconveniences to a minimum”.
A.M.
What are the benefits of carriage rides for local tourism in cities like Bolzano?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Tourism Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome,and thank you for joining us today! We have with us Anna Müller,a tourism expert with a deep understanding of travel trends in Europe. Today, we’ll be discussing the growing attraction of carriage rides in cities like Bolzano, especially during festive seasons. Anna, can you share what makes these carriage rides so appealing to tourists?
Anna Müller: Absolutely! Carriage rides offer a unique, romantic experience that allows tourists to immerse themselves in the beauty and ambiance of a city. In Bolzano, for instance, visitors come primarily to see the famous Christmas market, but the carriage ride enhances their experience, providing a charming way to explore the ancient architecture and breathtaking landscapes.
Time.news Editor: A romantic experience indeed! You mentioned that it’s a popular offering in cities like Salzburg and Vienna as well. What do you think contributes to its appeal across these varied locations?
Anna Müller: great question! Cities like Salzburg and Vienna have rich histories and beautiful streets that are best appreciated at a leisurely pace. The combination of beautiful sights,the nostalgia of conventional modes of transport,and the overall festive atmosphere draws people in. It taps into the romantic ideals of European travel, where one can feel a connection to history while creating lasting memories.
Time.news Editor: that sounds delightful! Could you elaborate on how the rise of such offerings impacts local tourism, notably in Bolzano?
Anna Müller: Certainly! The addition of carriage rides can significantly enhance the overall local tourism experience.They encourage longer stays as tourists are drawn to more activities beyond the traditional market. This, in turn, supports local businesses—from carriage operators to restaurants and shops. It’s a wonderful example of how diversifying the tourist experience can lead to positive economic impacts in a community.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! Do you see any challenges that come with introducing these kinds of attractions?
Anna Müller: Yes, while these experiences are generally well-received, there are challenges like ensuring the welfare of the horses and managing the environmental impact.it’s essential to strike a balance between tourism and sustainability. Additionally, there might be logistical challenges with space in busy markets, but with proper planning, these can be addressed.
Time.news Editor: Sustainability is certainly key in tourism today. As we look towards the future, do you think experiences like carriage rides will continue to draw tourists, or will preferences shift?
Anna Müller: I believe that provided that there’s a demand for authentic and unique experiences, carriage rides will remain popular. However, the tourist demographic is changing; younger travelers often seek lasting and eco-pleasant options. Thus, we might see a rise in electric carriages or similar alternatives that preserve the charm without compromising environmental values.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective, Anna. It sounds like balancing tradition with innovation will be crucial moving forward. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today!
Anna Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the evolving world of tourism and how we can make it not only enjoyable but also sustainable.