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.
