The million and a half euros that the government made available to Turin for the organization of Eurovision was certainly a breath of fresh air for the municipal machine. But the international musical event is only the first of the major events that will take place in the city in May. The last to be added was the international festival of economics which will arrive eight days after the end of the Book Fair (19-23 May). In between are the stage of the Giro d’Italia, the final of the women’s Champions and the Council of Europe. The State contribution serves to “cope with an absolutely underestimated expenditure forecast for Eurovision – explains Mimmo Carretta, councilor for major events – we have prepared an economic plan for all events that will allow us to maintain a balance also thanks to teamwork with the Chamber of Commerce, the Region and the banking foundations, even if sponsorships will be fundamental to withstand the impact ».
Carretta says he is optimistic about the resources to be covered «also because we expect important repercussions on the city economy» and flaunts tranquility on the possible critical issues that have emerged in recent weeks: «We are ready for the challenge and little by little the pieces are falling into place. In recent months we have removed the rust from a car that was no longer used to these appointments. And then we also recovered teamwork with the other institutions in the city ».
The critical issues in Piazza d’Armi? Work will begin shortly and will be put in order in time
Domenico Carretta, councilor
Problems resolved also on the reception of delegations and tourists for Eurovision? “We’re putting the pieces back in place.” The delays in Piazza D’Armi? “Delays? We have made the assignment tender and we will start work soon, we are respecting the scheduled timetable”. And he announces that there will be “large buildings for reception and journalists”. From his point of view, «Eurovision will serve us to test a model that we will use to organize the next events». Also because “the organizational success of the May events could attract new sponsorships”.
A flexible model that will have to be adapted to different audiences and “in any case always with attention to respecting the prevention measures of the Covid pandemic”. Among the hypotheses being studied there is, for example, the organization of a white night on the occasion of the Book Fair. Carretta again: “We are working with the aim of involving the whole city and from this point of view the contribution that comes from associations, traders and other categories, without forgetting the enthusiasm of the volunteers, are the sign that Turin wants to be involved” . Even on major sporting events “which become the tool to relaunch basic sports activities”.
According to the commissioner Carretta, then, “the dialogue with the company that manages the Caselle airport is absolutely important, which, thanks to the new routes, is certainly an important player for the tourist and cultural relaunch of the city”.