Italy: Tourism sector to mark an increase of 35% this year

Rome: Following the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions, Italy is expected to register increased numbers of arrivals and overnight stays.

According to the latest publication made by the research institute for tourism, Demoskopika, over 92 million tourists are expected to spend their holidays in Italy this year. This means that compared to last year, Italy will post an increase of 35 per cent.

In addition, the same has emphasised that the country is expected to register around 343 million overnight stays by the end of this year.

Despite such high numbers, the institute has noted that this year’s figures will still remain below those registered during the pre-pandemic period.

Compared to 2019, the number of tourists reaching Italy this year is expected to be 29.6 per cent less and the number of overnight stays is expected to be 21.4 per cent less.

It has been estimated that almost destinations within Italy will register positive trends this year. The Piedmont region is expected to welcome the highest numbers of tourists – 4.3 million arrivals and 12.8 million overnight stays. Trentino-South Tyrol will be in second place and Campania third.

“At a territorial level, all regional destinations will record a positive trend in tourist flows, with Piedmont in the lead, in terms of percentage change in attendance, with 12.8 million overnight stays (+56.7 per cent),” the statement of Demoskopika reads.

As for the tourism expenditure, it has been estimated that by the end of 2022, tourism flows in Italy could generate over €26 billion, thus posting an increase of 11.8 per cent compared to 2021.

“By 2022, tourism flows in Italy could generate tourism spending of 26.4 billion euros with an increase of 11, 8 per cent compared to the previous year,” Demoskopika added.

Apart from tourists from other countries, Demoskopika has noted that 30 million Italians are also expected to spend their vacation within the country. On the other hand, ten per cent plan to travel abroad, of which seven per cent have already planned a trip to another European country and another three per cent are opting for an international holiday.

Italy has already relaxed its COVID-19 entry rules. All travellers, regardless of their country of origin, are currently permitted restriction-free entry to Italy as long as they hold a valid COVID-19 Pass – a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

In addition, the Italian authorities also plan on easing the remaining COVID-19 domestic measures.