It’s been 31 years since the Eurovision Song Contest stopped in Italy. Back then it was Rome, this week Turin is the center of European singing. The final of the competition will take place on Saturday, and the city has already caught Eurovision fever with the semi-finals underway.
Turin well attended
Turin Deputy Mayor Michela Favaro said: “We have already seen around 20,000 arrivals at the airport, but we will have to wait until the end of the event to have the total number of visitors. However, we know that it is impossible to find a hotel room or accommodation through Air B&B. That means that the city is very busy.”
Shops in downtown Turin are also hoping for strong sales. “Thanks to the Eurovision Song Contest, many come from abroad. We hope to get back to pre-pandemic numbers. Turin was a growing city, we had millions and millions of guests,” says a shop owner.
euronews asked around in Turin: what are people looking forward to?
“We like the concept and are very happy to be here,” says one woman.
And a man says: “I’m looking forward to the Albanian singer. And I like the French contribution. And of course the Italians. They have a great song again this year.”
“I like the whole competition, the concept of love and peace,” said one woman.
40 countries are participating
euronews contributor Stefania De Michele said: “It is here in the Olympia Hall, one of the largest indoor arenas in Italy, which has hosted many international events including concerts by Madonna, Lady Gaga and Shakira, that the challenge of the Eurovision Song Contest begins: 40 countries compete on three evenings, the events are sold out.”