On site

20 years of Cannero Riviera

Exactly 20 years ago, on 7 September 1991, Hapimag opened the resort on Lake Maggiore. Marisa Piccioli has been there right from the beginning. In 1993 she took over management of the resort, and since then has welcomed an average of 350 to 500 guests each week. Hapimag in Cannero therefore makes a significant contribution to the economic development of the village. The resort's 140 apartments have in recent years accommodated an average of around 9500 guests spending 85 000 nights per year. This corresponds to an average occupancy rate of approximately 75%. Reason enough to celebrate the 20th anniversary in style.

Celebrating the Italian way

The anniversary day started with a typical Italian breakfast – delicious croissants, the wonderful aroma of cappuccino and fresh orange juice – in the Magnolia restaurant. Throughout the day, various activities such as a trip with the solar catamaran on Lake Maggiore, Latin dance aerobics and water aerobics provided good entertainment. The first minor highlight was in the late afternoon: To welcome the 28 Hapimag members from Ascona who had come to the anniversary celebrations by boat, the resort employees released a great number of colourful balloons. Appropriately, the famous Italian song "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu" by Domenico Modugno was played, and everybody joined in the chorus of "volare oh oh, volare oh oh oh oh".

A tasty apéritif buffet then awaited the guests. There was home-made punch and freshly made stone-oven pizza. Together with René Verhagen, Member of the Executive Board, and Nando Calore, Area Manager for Italy and Switzerland, Marisa Piccioli welcomed the Hapimag members and local representatives, especially the Mayor of Cannero, Maria Pia Bottacchi. They expressed their thanks for the loyalty of members towards Hapimag and for the good cooperation with the municipality of Cannero. Guest of honour Dr. Guido M. Renggli, founder and honorary president of Hapimag, expressed his happiness: "I am very proud of this resort. Thanks to Marisa Piccioli and her team, there is a very special atmosphere here. I wish Hapimag Cannero all the best for the future too."

 
Photo on left: Dr. Guido M. Renggli
Photo on right, at the rear, from left: René Verhagen, Nando Calore, Donaldo Bertona, Dr. Guido M. Renggli, Sergio Gagliardi, Sandro Bonomi / at the front, from left: Marisa Piccioli, Maria Pia Bottacchi

With these words, the buffet was opened – the right moment for a first toast to Hapimag in Cannero. "We think the party's wonderful. We're just here by chance and are enjoying the celebrations to the full", said Hapimag members Felix and Birgitta Bauknecht about the anniversary event. "We're here in Cannero for the first time and really love it. What we especially like is that everything's so down to earth. And the connection with the town is a perfect success. We will definitely come again", promised the German couple, who have been enjoying stays with Hapimag for almost twenty years. After the apéritif there was a huge buffet with savoury and sweet delicacies. In a convivial atmosphere, the guests dined on the terrace of the Magnolia restaurant, enjoying the mild autumn evening.

Spectacular finale

The meal was followed by another highlight. "We want you to have special memories of this day, so we have some great surprises in store for you. Have lots of fun!" With these words, Marisa Piccioli announced the film "Cannero ieri, Cannero oggi". It was made especially for the anniversary and shows Cannero in former times and today. But the biggest surprise was still to come. For about 40 minutes, the roughly 500 guests present enjoyed a special water and light spectacle. Water fountains splashed in a basin that had been specially set up on the quayside for the occasion, dancing to the colourful illuminations and classical music. The guests were really impressed and applauded enthusiastically. "The colourful fountains were the highlight of the day", agreed Hapimag members Günther and Hermine Rösner from Germany.

But this was not all: At the end of the anniversary celebrations there was yet another surprise for the guests. The resort was lit up by colourful laser beams. The guests were treated to a unique view of the resort and a special atmosphere. An all-round successful event with a very satisfied hostess: "I am delighted, the 20th anniversary celebrations have been an absolute success", said Resort Manager Marisa Piccioli happily.