San Marino brought its sport-and-tourism development project to the TTG trade fair in Rimini, taking part in the panel “Sport and Tourism: Levers for Territories”, organised as part of the activities of the ACES network. Representing the Republic were Alessandro Mancini, private secretary at the Secretariat of State for Sport, and Christian Forcellini, president of the San Marino National Olympic Committee.
The meeting explored the role of sporting activities and events in promoting destinations, fostering social inclusion and driving economic growth. San Marino’s participation forms part of its journey toward the European Community of Sport 2026 title, awarded by ACES Europe in recognition of its commitment to promoting sport as a tool for wellbeing and territorial development.
“Sport is not just about competitive activity or individual wellbeing — today it represents an extraordinary opportunity for territorial promotion and community growth,” said Mancini, stressing the need to connect sports policy with tourism and economic strategy.
Commenting on the title awarded to the Republic, the private secretary added: “This recognition is a source of satisfaction for us, but above all a responsibility and an opportunity. Sporting events, initiatives and projects can generate tourist flows, build international relationships and showcase what makes each territory unique. San Marino firmly believes in this path and intends to keep investing in the synergy between sport and tourism as a distinctive pillar of its development strategy.”
The panel brought together administrators, sports organisations, industry operators and representatives of destinations that have won or are candidates for European recognition. Speakers included Roberta Frisoni, Emilia-Romagna’s regional councillor for Tourism, Commerce and Sport, Emanuela Ferrante, Naples’ councillor for Sport and Equal Opportunities, Vincenzo Lupattelli, president of ACES Italia, Cristian Casili, Puglia’s regional councillor for Sport, and Eulalia Micheli, Calabria’s regional councillor with responsibility for Sport and Youth Policies.
According to the Secretariat of State, the discussion allowed the San Marino delegation to strengthen institutional relations and share experiences on promoting territories through sport, as part of the TTG Travel Experience, under way at the Rimini Expo Centre until 16 October.
