2016 Italy’s Tourism – The Economy’s Most Beneficial Growth Factor

The Italian Tourism industry has grown into the most important growth factor for the country’s economy in 2016. This trend is likely to be steady over the next two years as well. Italy’s GDP is expected to rise by 0.9% this year and tourism by 1.5%. The tourism turnover makes up 171 billion euros, which accounts for 11.8% of the nation’s GDP. This sector alone employs around 3.1 million people, that’s 12.8% of the workforce in Italy.

The positive trend in Italy has not slowed down despite an impaired environment or global competition of increasing supply on an international scale. Arrivals have increased by an approximate 3% in 2016 and are predicted to progress at this rate next year and in 2018 as well.

These statistics were declared in Rome at a conference regarding resources and strategies of Italy’s tourism. The average duration of stay, 3.5 days and the average per day expenditure of 108 euros have increased as well.

At the conference, the tourism industry also presented the strategy for 2017-2022. In lieu of expanding digitalization (duty-free shopping will be digitized from January 1st, 2017 at Italian airports) and infrastructure improvement, the tourism industry’s focal point will be on sharing economy. Currently, it accounts for 15% from the tourism sector.

Nonetheless, this year was not entirely positive for Italy’s tourism. The Vatican’s promoted “Jubilee Year” was no doubt a religious success, but was not an economic one by any means. As per many travel companies, pilgrims could be concerned about likely terrorist attacks throughout the tours.

Rome’s hotel association reported a meagre 1.2% rise in arrivals. The city with the highest increase in tourists (over 4.5%),Milan, not only benefited from the exhibition convened last year…but also benefitted from the expanding trade, business and shopping tourism. Tourism in winter, amid others, is also increasing this year.