Anticipating the Impact of Record Visitor Numbers on Travel and Security
The Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place across northern Italy, drawing over two million visitors to the Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige regions. The event’s scale and timing, following the Catholic Jubilee and amid ongoing global uncertainty, will place significant pressure on local infrastructure and services. For organisations, understanding the political, social, and environmental factors shaping Italy’s current landscape is important to ensure safe and resilient travel operations during this period.
What political and economic factors could impact the Winter Olympics in Italy?
Italy’s government has positioned the Winter Olympics as a symbol of post-pandemic recovery and international investment. However, rising costs, delays in infrastructure projects, and public concern over sustainability and living expenses have fuelled debate about the Games’ long-term impact.
Milan’s rapid growth and sharp rent increases reflect wider national challenges, while global instability continues to shape the environment in which the Games will unfold. These intersecting dynamics are likely to influence both the risk landscape and public sentiment in the lead-up to 2026.
Could civil unrest disrupt travel during the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Civil unrest remains one of the most visible risks surrounding the Winter Olympics. Local protest groups, including the Comitato Insostenibili Olimpiadi 2026, have pledged to oppose the event over concerns about environmental impact and rising living costs. Inspired by anti-Olympic movements seen in Paris and elsewhere, activists may attempt to disrupt construction, transport, or high-visibility sites in Milan and Cortina.
In addition, demonstrations linked to international issues could also emerge. While most activity is expected to remain peaceful, isolated acts of sabotage or blockades could affect mobility and local infrastructure during the Games.
What crime and cyber threat trends could affect travellers during the Winter Olympics?
While Italy maintains a relatively low overall crime rate, Milan has seen a steady increase in reported offences in recent years. Organised criminal groups have been known to target affluent visitors near luxury hotels, restaurants, and shopping districts. The influx of international visitors and elevated media attention may further encourage opportunistic theft and fraud.
Online scams, including phishing and spoofed booking websites, are also likely to rise as criminals exploit the Games’ popularity. With AI tools making these scams increasingly sophisticated, travellers and organisations should maintain strict information security protocols and verify all digital communications.
How significant is the terrorism threat during the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Italian authorities remain on high alert for terrorism, maintaining elevated security levels since 2024. Recent global events, including the war in Gaza and heightened geopolitical tensions, have intensified the risk of lone-actor extremism across Europe. In Italy, several arrests have involved young self-radicalised individuals, often motivated by online propaganda.
While large-scale coordinated attacks are considered less likely, high-profile venues and public gatherings, such as Olympic ceremonies and tourist areas, are attractive symbolic targets. Enhanced surveillance, intelligence cooperation, and visible policing are expected to play a central role in mitigation efforts throughout the Games.
What are the key logistical challenges for the Winter Olympics in northern Italy?
The Winter Olympics will be spread across ten venues in northern Italy, including both urban and remote alpine locations. While Milan and Cortina are well-connected, smaller venues in mountainous areas pose greater logistical challenges. Local authorities are investing heavily in transport infrastructure, yet some projects are expected to remain incomplete by the time the Games begin.
Adverse winter weather, including snow, rockfalls, and landslides, may further complicate travel. Travellers should prepare for potential route changes, increased journey times, and short-notice disruptions, particularly for road and rail connections linking smaller alpine towns.
What are the key logistical challenges for the Winter Olympics in northern Italy?
The Winter Olympics are expected to draw over 2.5 million international visitors to northern Italy, creating a dynamic and at times unpredictable operating environment. While travel is expected to remain broadly stable, factors such as protest activity, weather, and opportunistic crime could cause sudden disruption. For organisations, maintaining clear communication channels, monitoring local intelligence, and having incident-response protocols in place will be important. Proactive planning and reliable on-the-ground support can help ensure a smooth and secure experience for travellers during the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Solace Global supports organisations travelling to major international events with tailored travel risk management solutions that combine pre-travel intelligence, journey management, and 24/7 operational assistance. Our integrated approach helps clients meet their duty of care obligations, safeguard travelling staff, and respond confidently to emerging risks. From pre-travel planning to in-country support, our team ensures that travellers remain informed, connected, and secure – wherever their journey takes them.
