The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), organizer of the international exhibition TTG Travel Experience to be held in Rimini from 8 to 10 October, has decided to exclude Israel from this year’s event, following reactions from local authorities.
The decision was made following letters from the mayor of Rimini, Jamil Santegolvaad, and the president of the Emilia-Romagna region, Michele de Pascale, who requested the cancellation of the Israeli presence due to the military operations in Gaza. “We do not consider it morally and ethically acceptable to propose today as tourist destinations areas of war, terror and death,” the mayor emphasized.
Political Reactions in Italy
The decision sparked intense political debate at the national level.
Tourism Minister Daniela Sandanque expressed her surprise and stressed that international fairs should remain spaces for economic and cultural exchange, free from political interference. She warned that such moves could set a dangerous precedent for Italy’s role in international trade fairs.
In contrast, Democratic Party (PD) leader Elie Sline supported the intervention of local authorities, accusing the Italian government of not taking corresponding initiatives against the policy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom she described as responsible for “war crimes” in Gaza and the West Bank.
Impact on the Exhibition
TTG Travel Experience is a leading event for the Italian tourism industry, attracting dozens of countries, destinations and companies. The absence of Israel is considered a rare case where geopolitical developments directly affect the list of exhibitors. Although there have been no other cancellations, the case highlighted how international conflicts can affect the tourism promotion sector.
IEG, beyond confirming Israel’s non-participation, has not made any further detailed statements. However, it points out that the exhibition will be held as usual with a strong international presence and a rich program.
Symbolism and Extensions
The decision comes at a time of increasing criticism in Europe of Israel’s military operations, where various institutions and local authorities are adopting symbolic forms of “distancing”. In the case of Rimini, the conflict in Gaza was directly linked to one of Italy’s most important tourism institutions, transforming a trade fair into a point of reference for the political debate over the Middle East.
Despite the controversy, the TTG Travel Experience is expected to attract high attendance and wide international participation, confirming its position as a key event for the Mediterranean and European tourism market.
