Another record-breaking summer is on the horizon for Italian tourism . According to estimates from CNA Turismo e Commercio —released first by ANSA—our country could exceed 224 million tourist arrivals between July and September, generating direct spending of nearly €27 billion and an overall economic impact of between €43 and €48 billion.
According to estimates , Sardinia is confirmed as the most popular destination for holidaymakers , together with the Amalfi Coast, Salento, Sicily, the Riviera Romagnola, Lake Garda and the Dolomites.
Comparing these estimates with data from the last summer before the pandemic clearly illustrates the strength of the national tourism recovery.
In the July-September quarter of 2019, tourist arrivals hovered around 215 million. This year, they could exceed 224 million, an increase of over 9 million overnight stays compared to the pre-Covid period.
Turnover also saw a significant jump: from approximately €25.8 billion in summer 2019 to over €27 billion expected this year.
Several factors are supporting this growth. International demand for Italy continues to rise, fueled by the strong interest of visitors from the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and rapidly recovering Asian markets . Added to this are Italy's favorable positioning in cultural and experiential tourism, the growth of food and wine tourism, the appeal of the Jubilee, and the lengthening of the tourist season, with September in recent years recording higher increases than traditionally peak months.