Italy Hopeful About Organic Boom In Tourism!

Italy was graded as the fifth best destination by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in terms of inbound tourist arrivals and international tourist gateway. While the country experienced a decline in domestic tourism in 2011, inbound tourism continued to boom.

Inbound tourism growth remained strong through the 2008 financial crisis and has remained robust even through the current debt crisis faced by the country, a testimony to Italy's popularity among international travelers. Outbound tourism also rebounded after a minor downturn in 2009 to record positive growth during the review period.

Inbound tourism growth remains robust

Italy's inbound tourist arrival numbers remained robust despite the global financial meltdown in 2008 and the current debt crisis that is gripping Italy and the EU.

Inbound tourist arrivals increased at a CAGR of 1.46% between 2007 and 2011. Europe continues to be the largest source of inbound tourists, followed by North America.

The largest source countries for inbound tourism in 2011 were Switzerland, Germany and France. Italy remains a year-round tourist destination.

International travelers visit Italy in winter for skiing in the Alps and to visit Rome during Christmas. Around spring and Easter time, tourists visit the country for religious reasons and to visit cities.

In the summer, inbound tourists head for the country's Mediterranean beaches, lakes and historical cities. Owing to its popularity among international travelers, Italy is able to charge its tourists premium rates, which has made it an expensive destination.

The turmoil associated with Arab Spring has benefited Mediterranean countries such Italy, as travelers wishing to travel to the countries like Egypt and Tunisia have instead been turning to European Mediterranean destinations.

Outbound tourism regains strength

Despite recording a small downturn in outbound trips in 2009, Italy recorded an overall surge in outbound tourism from 2007 to 2011, with the number of outbound trips increasing at a CAGR of 0.95%.

As a result of the economic crisis, Italians in recent years have been travelling abroad more frequently in order to take advantage of the added value for money that neighboring countries can offer as they become cheaper to visit.

European capitals and Mediterranean beaches are the most visited destinations by Italians. According to the European Cruise Council, Italy was also the third largest source market for cruise liners in 2011.

Europe remained the major destination for Italian residents, followed by Africa and North America. France was the most favored destination among Italians in 2011, followed by Spain and Germany.

The Northern regions of Italy generate the most outbound travel, as they are the most developed regions and have high purchasing power.