Were it not for inflation, high bills and the tragedy of the war in Ukraine, it could finally be said that Italian tourism is regaining the momentum of the pre-pandemic period but these three spectra weigh on the industry which is once again demonstrating resilience and vitality .
The numbers of the
Federalberghi survey on the bridge on 8 December
speak for themselves :
12 million 183 thousand Italians will travel
.
94.1% of them (against 92.3% in 2021) will remain within national borders while only 5.9% will go abroad (against 7.7%).
70.2% of those who choose Italy will move to their region of residence.
The most popular destinations will be in the mountains (28.5%), in places of art (27.8%) and by the sea (13.1%).
Followed by lakes (5.3%) and spas (5%).
Abroad, the most sought-after destinations will be the major European capitals (76.5%).
The total turnover stands at 4.14 billion euros.
The first to applaud is the
tourism minister Daniela Santanchè
: "The data once again highlights
how much tourism is a driving force for the Italian economy
and underline an important driver in the choices of Italians: the majority, in fact, choose the Belpaese to spend their holidays.
Opting for internal tourism, that of proximity, - he explains again - means not only (re)discovering the most authentic, truest Italy, made up of many wonderful places that are right here, around the corner, and which are too often been neglected in favor of apparently more flashy and attractive destinations;
it also means, and above all, feeding the many realities, small and large, which significantly contribute to the development of the entire national tourism industry.
It means creating work and employment, generating value for Italy, for our economy, and supporting what we must and want to commit ourselves to making our nation's first company:
According to
the president of Federalberghi, Bernabò Bocca
"thanks to a favorable calendar, with the 8 December holiday falling on Thursday, many Italians will be able to enjoy a well-deserved holiday. But the Immaculate Conception is important for the whole community, because it generates an important contribution to the development of GDP and employment".
And he warns: "We won't be as lucky on the other hand during the Christmas holidays - added Bocca - Both December 25 and January 1 2023, in fact, coincide with Sunday. From this point of view, although satisfied with the performance of this long bridge, we are cautious in singing victory, waiting to see what will happen on the occasion of Christmas".
The president of the Italian hoteliers does not hide the critical points: "
the vast majority of choices were strongly conditioned by the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine and by the consequent and dramatic energy price increases that we are all experiencing on our skin
.
This is a critical issue that weighs heavily on the tourist accommodation system and requires timely solutions for the good of the whole country".
