With the Winter Paralympics due to start on 6 March, the Veneto Region re-launched ‘Casa Veneto’ in Cortina d’Ampezzo on 2 March 2026. The hospitality hub will serve as an information and networking point for athletes, delegations, media and tourists, showcasing local transport links, accessibility services and cultural attractions. Travel facilitation. Staffed by multilingual volunteers, the centre issues real-time updates on mountain-pass conditions, accessible shuttle schedules and last-minute accommodation options. A counter run by Trenitalia promotes discounted rail itineraries connecting Venice Marco Polo Airport and Cortina, while DolomitiBus has added low-floor coaches on the key Belluno–Cortina corridor.
![‘Casa Veneto’ Re-opens in Cortina as Paralympics Welcome Centre for International Guests]()
For international attendees sorting out travel documents, VisaHQ offers a quick way to check Italy’s entry requirements and submit visa applications online. The service—available at https://www.visahq.com/italy/—provides real-time processing updates and dedicated support, which can be particularly handy for teams coordinating large delegations.
Accessibility focus. Organisers highlighted step-free routes from the temporary Cortina Olympic Village to competition venues and demonstrated a new ‘Smart Poles’ system that guides visually impaired visitors via Bluetooth beacons. The initiative forms part of Italy’s broader commitment to barrier-free mobility during the Games and will remain in place as a legacy for future tourism seasons. Economic impact. Veneto’s tourism board expects an extra 200,000 overnight stays during the Paralympics period, injecting €60 million into the local economy. Hoteliers have pledged not to hike rates by more than 10 percent over February averages—a voluntary code monitored by consumer watchdogs. Practical tips for companies. Firms sending staff or clients should book wheelchair-accessible accommodation well in advance and remind travellers that vehicle access to Cortina’s centre is restricted between 08:00 and 20:00. The local police have introduced a fast-track permit for delivery vans servicing accredited hotels.
For international attendees sorting out travel documents, VisaHQ offers a quick way to check Italy’s entry requirements and submit visa applications online. The service—available at https://www.visahq.com/italy/—provides real-time processing updates and dedicated support, which can be particularly handy for teams coordinating large delegations.
Accessibility focus. Organisers highlighted step-free routes from the temporary Cortina Olympic Village to competition venues and demonstrated a new ‘Smart Poles’ system that guides visually impaired visitors via Bluetooth beacons. The initiative forms part of Italy’s broader commitment to barrier-free mobility during the Games and will remain in place as a legacy for future tourism seasons. Economic impact. Veneto’s tourism board expects an extra 200,000 overnight stays during the Paralympics period, injecting €60 million into the local economy. Hoteliers have pledged not to hike rates by more than 10 percent over February averages—a voluntary code monitored by consumer watchdogs. Practical tips for companies. Firms sending staff or clients should book wheelchair-accessible accommodation well in advance and remind travellers that vehicle access to Cortina’s centre is restricted between 08:00 and 20:00. The local police have introduced a fast-track permit for delivery vans servicing accredited hotels.
