Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics To Ignite Italy’s Economy With A Groundbreaking Five Billion Euro Impact, Unlocking Tourism And Infrastructure Growth For Years

Published on December 9, 2025

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is poised to generate a remarkable five billion euros in economic benefits for Italy, driven by immediate spending from the event, extended tourism revenue in the months following, and long-term infrastructure enhancements. This significant economic impact will not only boost local economies during the Games but also solidify Italy’s position as a top global tourism and sporting destination in the years to come. The combination of increased international visitors, enhanced infrastructure, and the lasting legacy of upgraded venues makes the Winter Olympics a game-changing event for the country’s future growth.

Italy is poised to experience a significant economic boost from the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with a €5.3 billion economic impact projected, as revealed by a new study conducted by Banca Ifis. This substantial economic benefit is expected to stem from immediate spending, tourism revenue, and long-term infrastructural improvements.

The total economic impact can be broken down into three key areas:

1. Immediate spending: €1.1 billion is expected to be generated from on-site activities, including expenditures by spectators and operational staff who will engage in services related to the event itself.
2. Tourism revenue: €1.2 billion in extended tourism earnings is anticipated in the 12 to 18 months following the Olympics, fueled by the influx of visitors to Italy who are drawn by the international event.
3. Long-term infrastructure value: The Games will leave a lasting legacy with an estimated €3 billion in value from the upgraded sporting venues and broader civil infrastructure improvements, which are expected to continue benefiting the country for years to come.

The findings were shared at an event held on December 2 at the Italian Embassy in London. Titled “Beyond the Game: Sport, Economy, and the Road to Milano Cortina 2026,” the event explored the opportunities surrounding the Games. It was organized by Banca Ifis in partnership with the Embassy and attracted industry leaders from various sectors, including sports and economics. This gathering provided insights into how the Winter Olympics will not only elevate Italy’s profile on the global stage but also serve as a catalyst for sustained economic growth.

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is expected to bring together around 3,500 athletes from 90 countries, and will draw an estimated 2.5 million spectators. With the Games poised to capture a global television audience of 3 billion viewers, the event will provide a massive platform for Italy to showcase its culture, landscapes, and sporting prowess.

Moreover, the Olympics are set to have a profound impact on Italy’s tourism sector. Visitors are expected to stay an average of over three nights, a trend that will extend the economic benefits well beyond the competition itself. The combination of the event’s immediate draw and the long-term visibility provided by the Games will contribute to an uptick in tourism, benefiting local economies across the host regions and leaving a lasting impact on Italy’s hospitality, travel, and service industries.

As Italy prepares to host the Winter Olympics, the investment in infrastructure is not just about the event itself. The improvements being made to sporting venues and transportation networks will serve to enhance Italy’s overall tourism appeal in the years to come. Cities like Milan and Cortina will benefit from these advancements, as the nation strengthens its position as a premier travel destination. These upgrades will also ensure that Italy remains competitive in hosting future international sporting events, further boosting its status on the global stage.

The economic benefits tied to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are expected to be felt across various sectors. From tourism to construction and the broader service industry, Italy is set to see substantial growth in the years following the Games. With continued investments in infrastructure, Italy will not only capitalize on the immediate impact of the Winter Olympics but also solidify its standing as a leading global destination for sports, tourism, and business.

The anticipated long-term impact of the Winter Olympics also underscores Italy’s commitment to fostering sustainable and economically viable growth through sports. As the event approaches, Italy is positioning itself as a model of how global sporting events can deliver both short-term economic gains and lasting benefits for local communities and industries.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promises to bring substantial economic benefits to Italy, driven by immediate spending, extended tourism revenue, and long-term infrastructure value. The event’s legacy will extend well beyond the Games, with the improvements made to Italy’s sporting and civil infrastructure continuing to fuel economic growth for years to come.