Tourism Declines During 2023 Easter Holidays Amid Global Conflict

Easter holidays in Italy showed a mixed picture, with a slight overall decline in tourism activity. A survey by the Florence-based Centro Studi Turistici for Assoturismo Confesercenti estimates 14.1 million total overnight stays, down 1.3% from last year, with foreign tourists accounting for 58.9% of the total. The report indicates declines across most regions, including the South, Islands, and the Central areas, while mountain resorts remained stable and city tourism experienced a modest 0.8% decrease.

The downturn is attributed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and international tensions, which have impacted bookings, flight cancellations, and airfares. Vittorio Messina, president of the association, noted negative effects on the sector, citing increased arrivals from countries like Austria, France, and Germany, while arrivals from the US, Canada, and Asia declined. Tourism from Belgium, Brazil, Spain, and Scandinavia remained steady.
Italian Version