Published on
November 12, 2025
United States, Germany, Canada and France lead a surge in travel to Italy as airlines and hotels gear up for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Recent data reveal that international flight bookings to Northern Italy are up more than 160 % year‑on‑year, with U.S. travellers accounting for roughly 35 % of ticket spend and Germany, Canada and France following behind. Tourism and hospitality operators are racing to accommodate this influx, signalling a landmark moment for sports tourism in the region as the Games approach.
United States, Germany, Canada, and France Lead Surge in Travel to Italy as Airlines and Hotels Gear Up for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games
The upcoming Milano Cortina Winter 2026 Games will peak the interest in the Italian tourism industry. Based on positive booking and increased luxury hotel services, Italy will soon be experiencing a unique tourism boom. With the Games to be hosted between February 6 and February 22 in the 2025 Winter Olympic region of Lombar, Northeast Italy, Italy will have the chance to bolster its tourism business while showcasing its competitive winter sports. Lombardy will be one of the prime locations for winter tourism to Italy.
Airlines Prepare for Record Demand to Italy
Italy has seen a consistent increase in tourism over the years, and the excitement for the upcoming Winter Games has only added to that increase. Airlines are seeing unprecedented growth for flight bookings for people coming from the United States, Germany, Canada, and France. The increase is not only due to the Winter Games, but Italy has been on the rise as the potential top destination for sports tourism worldwide.
The United States, Germany, Canada, and France continue to be, and have been, some of the strongest sources of international tourism for Italy, and travelers from these countries are coming in even higher volumes. Airlines have started to adjust their flight schedules to fit the higher demand. United Airlines, for instance, has begun to offer direct flights to Milan from New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Germany’s Lufthansa also offers a strong connection from key airports in Germany to Italy. And more recently, Air Canada has also seen an increase in direct flight bookings from Toronto to Milan.
As more people want to use these routes, the airlines will add more flights to these routes, and airlines will most likely add more special services and premium flights for the Olympics. Also, a number of large European airlines, mainly British Airways and Air France, are also adding more flights to Milan and the other Italian cities Venice and Verona for the Olympics, which will happen in the summer. With airlines preparing for the busiest flights in a long time, now is the time for tourists to buy their tickets since prices are likely to be at their lowest and there are a good number of tickets still available.
Luxury Hospitality to Host Olympic Games Audience
Italy’s hospitality industry is now more enthusiastic because of the luxury travelers that the Olympics will bring. With the Milano Cortina Winter 2026 Games, luxury hotels, resorts and specialized venues around these locations will be expecting more sports and luxury tourists and are preparing to offer more specialized services. People that own hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Alpine villages and surrounding areas are preparing for these guests and are increasing the the scale of their private and personalized services that they offer.
Creating luxurious and unforgettable experiences for guests is one of the standout features of the Games. With exclusive offers for guests, On Location is expanding their celebrated hospitality packages. Guests will be staying at chalets in the Italian Alps, complete with fine dining and breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped mountains and panoramic views. For guests wanting to be closer to the Olympics, there are VIP packages with tickets to Olympic events and private transportation to high-end lounges at the events.
Demand for the luxury hotel brands in Italy such as Belmond, Four Seasons and Bulgari Hotels is increasing as well. These iconic brands have integrated the pinnacle of Italian hospitality and exclusive access to the Winter Games into their Olympic packages. Guests will be able to enjoy world class service with fine Italian Olympic inspired cuisine, spa treatments, and dining in the Olympic atmosphere. Italy’s historic villas and boutique hotels which have been preparing to receive more guests, will be offering as well, their unique charm and Olympic inspired hospitality.
Flight Details and Travel Tips for Visitors
When travelers arrive for Milan Cortina 2026, there is a variety of flights to take. The most convenient flights, especially the fastest flights, are direct flights. If you take a direct flight from New York to Milan, it only takes 8 hours, and such flights are available every day during the competition. From Germany, you can take flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin and arrive to Milan and Verona within 1.5 hours, so you will have no problem connecting to Germany. In Canada, it only takes 7 hours to arrive to Milan.
Although direct flights are the best, connecting flights will allow more flexibility, and will be cheaper for travelers from more distant, or developing regions of the world. Airports like Zurich, Paris, and Amsterdam are common for travelers taking flights to Milan. Furthermore, Ryanair and EasyJet are almost free, and you can take flights to Milan, Venice, or Verona to get to the Milan, Cortina, or any access points of the competition.
While in Italy, visitors can enjoy seamless transportation options from airports to their accommodation. For those staying in upscale hotels or Olympic event venues, private transfers, taxis, and shuttle services are available. For those seeking a more adventurous way to travel, the Italian trains, including high-speed services from Milan to Cortina and other Alpine destinations, offer an easy and scenic way to explore the region. Italy’s spectacular scenery can also be enjoyed by road, as the highway network is also well-developed.
Travel Tips for a Memorable Milano Cortina 2026 Experience
Book Flights Early: During the Winter Games, a lot of people are expected to travel to the region, so schedule your flights as soon as possible. Many major airlines are already reporting full flights for the dates around the games, so booking with enough notice can also help you save money and ensure better seats.Select Your Stay Carefully: Milan Cortina takes place in multiple towns and villages, so picking the best spot for your accommodation matters a lot. For those who desire to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, booking accommodation in Milan or Cortina d’Ampezzo will be your best option. For a more peaceful time, seek out high-end resorts and chalets in the surrounding Alpine areas, where you will be able to partake in the Games and admire the mountains at the same time.Be Prepared for Transport: Since the Games will be taking place in Milan and Cortina, public transport will be available. However, because of the expected large crowds, you will need to account for long wait times to get on and off transport. To avoid missing your events, many people will choose to book private transfers to get in and out of the city. Shuttles and other transport options can usually be organized through your accomodation or event planners.Don’t Forget Your Winter Sports Gear: If you intend on actually participating in the winter sports games, be prepared to bring or ship your winter equipment. Hotels will have rental equipment, but it will help if you bring your own. You’ll need to bring winter clothes for the Italian winter, because the conditions will require lots of layers and you will have to be prepared for a combination of warm and snowy weather.Discover Italian Culture. Otherwise, try to appreciate some cultural fun. Absorb Italian dishes and historical sites to appreciate the country. If you are placed in Milan, the city has a modern-world fashion scene and a historical city to appreciate. If you are in Cortina, enjoy the local culture in the Alps as you eat mountain dishes, and Italian wines.Watch Travel Notices. As is the case with any major global event, there will be health issues globally and some travel restrictions. Stay with the most Italian health issues and travel notices set by your carrier to be the most prepared.
United States, Germany, Canada, and France lead the surge in travel to Italy as airlines and hotels prepare for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. With flight bookings soaring and luxury hospitality expanding, Italy is set to host a record number of sports tourists.
Wrapping Up
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games will be an example of athleticism blended with international friendship. Nevertheless, beyond the thrilling activities, the Games provide a unique chance for travelers to experience excellent Italian hospitality, as well as, the country’s breathtaking beauty. American, German, Canadian and French travelers are predicted to increase the demand for airline tickets. For this reason, luxury hotels are prepared for the expected increase of guest demand. As these airlines and hotels increase their packages with extra hospitality services, the Games will be a unique tourist opportunity to experience Italy at its best.
Participating in winter activities, watching the Games, or simply enjoying Italy’s beautiful views, Milan Cortina 2026 will be amazing in every way. This will be an unforgettable adventure with some attention to elaborate travel, a selected plan from trusting airlines, and luxury hotels. Be sure you booked your airline tickets and reserved a hotel, and get ready for the wonderful journey.
