Israel excluded from tourism fair in moral stand over Gaza war

Italy has barred Israel from taking part in the Rimini tourism exhibition, a move defined as a moral stance on the war in Gaza, The New Arab reported on September 21st.

The mayor of Rimini, Jamil Sadegholvaad, and the president of the Emilia-Romagna region, Michele De Pascale, pressed organisers to act. “It is neither ethical nor moral to promote as holiday destinations places of war, terror, and death,” they said. Their intervention led the Italian Exhibition Group to cancel Israel’s presence at the TTG Travel Experience 2025, because their presence was deemed “morally and professionally inappropriate,” The Wafa news agency reported. The exhibition is scheduled to take place in Rimini from October 8th to October 10th.

The decision drew criticism from Israel’s ambassador to Italy, who accused local authorities of “political exploitation” and of using Gaza as “electoral propaganda.” His remarks come against the backdrop of a growing global backlash.

Italy’s decision to boycott the Rimini tourism festival follows findings by a recent UN commission that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The action reflects growing international concern over the humanitarian situation.

Boycotts of Israel are appearing across sectors, from sports to culture. Calls to suspend Israel from UEFA and FIFA are also gaining traction, while artists, musicians, and filmmakers have pledged to cut ties with Israeli institutions. Even Eurovision faces boycott threats from Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands unless Israel is excluded.

Italy’s decision signals that tourism is not just a commercial activity but a statement of values. By barring Israel, officials are refusing to promote a country engaged in conflict, highlighting the ethical weight of cultural and economic engagement. The exhibition’s cancellation of Israel’s presence marks a rare instance where tourism promotion intersects explicitly with moral and political considerations.

For Italian officials, the intervention also reflects local pressure and public scrutiny over the country’s response to the Gaza crisis. By acting at the regional and municipal level, Rimini’s authorities have positioned the city as part of a larger wave of international solidarity, reinforcing that cultural and economic events carry broader political and ethical significance.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org, Wafa