With Italy ranking top as a business destination in Europe and in terms of tourism receipts, at EUR 8 billion or 15.6 pc of its total income from international tourism, Italy’s tourism industry outlooks remain positive for the year.

Italy has been ranked as the top European destination for conference tourism and second in the world after the United States. The nation also ranked third in terms of highest number of international tourist arrivals in Europe, after France and Spain.

According to a press statement by ENIT, the Italian Tourist Board, Germany is the top source of market for Italy, with around 12.5 million travellers, accounting for 14.5 pc of the total international visitors to Italy. It adds that Italy remains a popular destination for Germans and about 8.2 pc of all overseas trips made by Germans take place in Italy.

France, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States round up the top five source markets for Italy.

ENIT says that Italy also comes out on top in terms of tourism expenditure, with more than EUR 8 billion or 15.6 pc of the total international tourism income. The nation is predicted to see almost 216 million overnight stays in official accommodations between June and August, marking a 1.5 pc increase compared to the previous summer.

ENIT says that Italy is also one of the most popular destinations for bleisure or business and leisure trips, since people who experience the beautiful surroundings during business trips are keen to stay longer.

“Italy is the European leader for conference tourism and ranks second worldwide. This remarkable achievement testifies to the nation’s commitment and credibility at global level,” says Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché.

“The choice of Italy as a venue for international conferences proves it to be sought-after not only by traditional tourists but also those attending events of this kind. This positive process generates a virtuous circle that benefits the entire tourism sector and enhances our international reputation,” Santanché adds.

The statement adds that foreign tourists are expected to significantly contribute to the nation’s tourism economy, with 105 million visitors, a 2.5 pc increase. Italian cities of art are expected to experience the most robust growth at 2 pc, followed by coastal areas at 1.4 pc, lakes and spas at 1.1 pc, and mountain areas at 0.4 pc.

Variations in performance are also anticipated across the country’s macro-areas, with a slightly higher estimate for the Northwest and South and Islands regions at 1.9 pc and 2 pc, respectively. For the central areas, the estimated variation is 1.3 pc, and for the northeast, it is 1.1 pc.

“Italy is full of surprises, with market segments developing in an increasingly high-performing manner, as confirmed by the ICCA 2023 ranking on conference tourism which places it first in Europe, surpassing even Spain, and second in the world after the United States. Italy is headed up by Rome, climbing the ranking from 14th to 7th, and other landmark cities for international meetings including Milan, Florence, Bologna and Naples,” says Alessandra Priante, Chairperson of ENIT.

“This is also a vote of confidence in ENIT, which is achieving great things in this area through trade fairs, workshops and major international events, creating an increasingly solid network,” Priante adds.

“The Italian cities that excel are the ones that have become international benchmarks for business travel and conference hospitality. Our nation has a wealth of potential that is increasingly asserting itself on the international stage,” says Ivana Jelinic, CEO, ENIT.

“Thanks to the ICCA international ranking, Italy’s global competitiveness will carry even more weight, enabling the country to attract a select, high-end clientele of professionals, experts and decision-makers from all over the world,” Jelinic adds.