LOW-COST FLIGHTS AND TOURISM: DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGES FROM BERGAMO-ORIO AL SERIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Bergamo-Orio al Serio International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Italy and its main characteristic is the large presence of low-cost carriers (LCCs), especially the Irish airline Ryanair. The large growth experienced by the airport has brought about new travellers and stimulated the development of local tourism, as shown by various sources. A close relationship between tourism and LCCs has been created over time, but the goals of airline companies differ from those of local tourism stakeholders and appear to be very sensitive to economic changes. The development of the route network has therefore influenced the profile of local tourists, which is now different in terms of the country of origin, purpose of travel and expenditure.