On the road to the 2026 Winter Olympics: Milan and Cortina

The 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will draw the world’s attention to Italy for one of the most celebrated events in global sport. For the first time, the Games will be hosted across two hubs, combining Italy’s sporting excellence with modern ambitions for growth, innovation, and international cooperation.

For both Italy and the Netherlands, sport is more than competition. It connects people, communities, and countries, while driving innovation and social progress. Through sport, we strengthen economies, develop smarter infrastructure, and promote inclusion and wellbeing.

On the road to Milan–Cortina 2026, Italy and the Netherlands are working side by side. Dutch companies, knowledge institutes, and public partners are joining Italian counterparts to create stronger facilities, introduce new technologies, and create opportunities that reach from elite to grassroots sport and extend well beyond the Games.

Highlights of our partnership:

Market research and opportunity mapping: Download the report
Seminars and stakeholder events
Trade missions in 2023, 2024, 2025

This journey is not about a single mission or event, but about building long-term partnerships that make sport more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive. Together, Italy and the Netherlands are changing the game, turning Olympic ambition into lasting impact for sport and society.

Let's change the game together!

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Mission booklets

Download mission booklet (October 2025) pdf

Download mission booklet (November 2024) pdf

Sports and innovation opportunities report pdf

Missions

View the interactive story (2025)

Click the link here to access the story, or scan the QR code with your phone camera to access the story.

QR code to Intractive story for Italy sports mission

Our journey to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games

a delegation poses for a group image while on a trade mission to Italy

2023 – Laying the foundations: Dutch delegations explored initial opportunities, engaging with Italian sports organisations and infrastructure stakeholders.

people on a trade mission to italy look at an ice skating rink

2024 – Deepening ties: Visits to Varese, Cernusco sul Naviglio, and Reggio Emilia focused on facility modernisation, business models, and community engagement.

people on a trade mission to italy watch a talk in a conference room

2025 – Teaming up on sport and innovation: In Milan, Turin, and Bologna, Dutch companies and institutions joined Italian partners in co-creating solutions for infrastructure, digital tools, mobility, and fan experience.