Hotels in Verona Reach 80 Percent Occupancy Ahead of Olympics Closing Ceremony

Hotels in Verona, Italy report about 80 percent occupancy as the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics closing ceremony is held at the Verona Arena. The surge in visitors boosts short-term income for local hotels, restaurants, and other tourism businesses, while some residents and protesters argue that public funds for the Games were misused. Officials hail the packed closing ceremony as a proud showcase for Italy, but critics remain doubtful about lasting economic benefits.