Updated on May 29, 2023 by Axel Hernborg

Axel Hernborg

If you want to go on a romantic vacation, Italy is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. This stunning country is bursting with culture.

Italy boasts a breathtaking coastline, beautiful beaches, and plenty of historic attractions, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can also experience this culture through the country’s amazing architecture and operas.

Aside from its vibrant culture and history, Italy is also renowned for its cuisine.

For example, Italy is associated with pizza, pasta dishes, and tiramisu. Some of the most popular places to visit in Italy include Rome, Venice, and Milan.

If you are interested in Italian tourist trends, this guide will explore some of the country’s most fascinating tourism statistics.

Travel Trends

Italy Tourism Statistics AndTrends
  • In 2021, 1.4 million international tourists arrived in Venice. This was a massive increase from the previous year. This makes it one of Italy’s most popular spots among tourists.
  • Approximately 20.46 billion US dollars was generated through the Italian tourist sector in 2020 alone. As a result, it is one of Italy’s most important sources of revenue.
  • Rome was the fifth most popular holiday destination across the world in 2021. Several other locations in Italy were able to reach the top one-hundred spots in this list, including Milan at twelfth, Florence at twenty-first, and Venice at twenty-seventh.
  • In 2020, tourism in Italy witnessed a decline of 60.59% from 2019. This massive decline had a significant impact on the amount of money that was made through the Italian tourist sector.
  • According to one source, 2.78 million tourists visited Rome in 2022. However, other sources claim that this figure is significantly higher. One such claim alleges that Italy had more than 9 million tourists that arrived at hotels and other residences.
  • In just the first five months of 2022, Florence witnessed the arrival of 2.2 million tourists. In comparison, there were an estimated 3.1 million visitors to Florence throughout 2021.
  • Around 9.1% of Italian GDP (gross domestic product) was generated through the tourism industry. This was an increase from the figure in 2021, which was just 6.1%. As a result, tourism is a major contributor to Italy’s GDP.
  • In 2021, the tourism industry accounts for roughly 2.64 million jobs in Italy.
  • Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are the leading inbound markets for Italy. In 2018, Germany accounted for more than 13,000 arrivals.
  • In 2022, Italy was estimated to have a population of almost 59 million people. Italy’s capital city, Rome, has a population of approximately 4.3 million people in 2023. Consequently, it is Italy’s most populous city.
  • Italy contains 77 airports, many of which are used by tourists to enter and exit the region. In 1029, more than 191 million people travelled through the country by using these airports. The Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, which serves the Rome area, is the country’s biggest airport. In 2020, the airport was used by roughly 9.75 million people.

Tourism In Italy

Italy Tourism StatisticsAndTrends
  • There are 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. This is divided between 5 natural sites and 53 cultural sites. These sites include Venice, the Historic Centre of Florence, and Castel del Monte.
  • In 2022, Italian tourist villages and campsites experienced 10.5 million tourists. This was a significant increase of 11% from the previous year.
  • In 2023, the average cost of a hotel in Rome is 145 Euros. This marks a considerable increase in price from 2020, in which 83 euros was the average cost for an overnight stay in the city.
  • In Venice, there were more than 7,200 Airbnb listings in 2022. This indicates that there is a large demand for places to stay in Venice.
  • Approximately 6 million people visit the Colosseum every year, making it one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Found in the heart of Rome, this amazing amphitheatre dates back to 72 AD. The Colosseum is capable of holding more than 50,000 spectators.
  • Mount Etna, located on the coast of Sicily, is one of Italy’s most popular natural attractions. This active volcano has an elevation of 11,013 feet or 3357 metres.
  • Meanwhile, Mont Blanc is the tallest mountain in Europe. Located on the border between France and Italy, this mountain is an impressive 15,771 feet or 4,807 metres in height.
  • There are three active volcanoes in Italy, namely Vesuvius, Mount Etna, and Stromboli. Mount Stromboli is 924 metres/ 3,031.5 feet above sea level.
  • Italy is celebrated for its delectable pizzas. Annually, an average of 2.7 billion pizzas are baked in Italy, many of which will be consumed by tourists during their vacation.
  • There are an assortment of different pasta shapes available in Italy. There are more than 350 different varieties of pasta throughout the country. Tourists will likely experience a small fraction of these varieties during their stay in Italy.
  • In the last 2,000 years, there have been approximately 50 volcanic eruptions in Italy. Given the large number of volcanoes in the country, this statistic is surprisingly low.
  • Approximately 2,000 people died in Pompeii during the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD. The entire death count of this tragedy is believed to be roughly 16,000 people.
  • There are over 1,000 lakes in Italy. The largest lake in the region is Lake Garda, this lake has a surface of 370 km². It has an impressive length of 34 miles or 54 km.
  • The second biggest lake in Italy is Lake Maggiore. The maximum width of this lake is 7 miles. This Italian lake also crosses into Switzerland.
  • Italy is also known for its warm temperatures during the summer months and the precipitation levels will be minimal. In July, temperatures can reach a maximum of 32°C/ 90°F. Temperatures will be especially high in Otranto. Tourists will need to pack for these weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a trip to one of the most romantic and elegant locations in the world, Italy is an outstanding option.

Containing breathtaking cities that are beloved by tourists, including Rome, Verona, Venice, Naples, and Turin, Italy is worth visiting. As these statistics highlight, Italy has a thriving tourism industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Highest Tourism Month In Italy?

Italy tends to be most popular among tourists between June and August. Many people enjoy travelling to Italy during these months, as they tend to be the warmest seasons.

Just bear in mind that travel prices may be higher during these periods.

Why Is Italy So Popular With Tourists?

As this data demonstrates, Italy is extremely popular among tourists. This is due to its fascinating history, rich culture, and indulgent cuisine.

There are plenty of spots of natural beauty, as well as plenty of historic attractions for tourists to experience during their stay.

Who Visits Italy The Most?

Tourists to Italy tend to reign from either Germany or France. Italy’s proximity to these two countries is likely part of the reason why so many tourists from France and Germany check out this country.

References

Introducing Italy