It may seem strange to many, because the Bolkestein is still a question mark in most Italian regions, but in Veneto there is a facility that sorted everything out… back in 2011! This beach establishment is the Jambo Beach in Cavallino Treporti, in the province of Venice. “We participated in the tender in 2011, so we’re at ease for many more years,” says Alessandro Baita, manager of Jambo Beach with two active concessions, 27 and 32, on the beach of the locality famous worldwide for being Europe’s largest outdoor tourism district. In the land of camping, glamping and open-air resorts, there are also beach clubs that operate independently from holiday villages, and Jambo is the most representative.

Why did you go to tender so far ahead of schedule?

Everything happened due to a strictly bureaucratic matter. Following delays in the renewal of the previous concession, the Municipality informed us that we would have to go to tender in compliance with European regulations that had been approved in the meantime. I believe it was the first ever tender in the northern Adriatic for a new concession. Things initially became complicated for us, because the tender brought various parties to participate, but the result was positive and allowed us to obtain a wide time horizon for making our investments. The obligation set through tender was approximately 250,000 euros for each of the two concessions.

Did you meet it?

I believe that over these 15 years, adding up all the investments, we’ve reached ten times that amount.

What do you think about all the problems that today affect locations outside of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, regions where the Bolkestein has already been applied and where tenders are already substantially concluded?

Ultimately, I think postponing was a mistake. Today the economic and financial commitment, from those who participate, is significantly higher. For us, it was very positive to anticipate the timeline.

There are those who fear an invasion by financial entities ready to participate in the tenders. Is it a concrete risk, an opportunity, or an unfounded fear?

It’s an underlying concern, which characterizes old realities that perhaps have become a bit complacent with an outdated beach model. At the same time, it’s an opportunity, because the entry of financial entities with adequate resources at their disposal allows us to reconsider the current system and equip the beach in line with the times. It will lead to a revaluation of the coastlines and adjacent activities. So, welcome to those who want to come and invest in a targeted and responsible manner.

What have you done over these years to invest such an important sum?

As a starting point, replacing equipment has a significant cost, and every three years you need to buy new sunbeds and umbrellas. Add to that the fact that we’ve changed the walkways 5-6 times, upgraded the systems, created sports areas, had the basketball court decorated by an important artist last year. And that tells the story.

Is there any other news coming?

Yes, and it’s linked to innovative forms of rental that I don’t want to reveal yet, but that we’re testing now so we can officially launch them starting next year. And then we’re waiting for new tenders to be announced because we wouldn’t mind opening a third Jambo Beach…

What does it mean to have a beach establishment separate from camping, in Europe’s most important camping area? Is it an advantage or a disadvantage?

There are pros and cons. In general, being in Cavallino Treporti and especially being a beach in the metropolitan city of Venice brings the possibility of doing good numbers. Our clientele is very tied to the houses and apartments adjacent to the beach club, and then there are also guests who decide to spend the day with us even though they’re not staying on vacation here. What matters is the fact of being in a very frequented place.