It’s the start of 2023 and time to take stock of the past 12 months, and for Italian tourism 2022 was an excellent year. This was thanks to the almost complete reopening of international borders and the return of visitors from important markets, first and foremost the United States. While the record figures of the pre-pandemic year have not yet been reached, the trend is obvious and all that remains to do is sit and wait, with 2023 already showing promising numbers despite inflation and global geo-political tensions.
Data processed by Assoturismo-Cst, the Centre for Tourism Studies in Florence, shows that in 2022 inbound tourism grew with almost 400 million total overnights, and with foreign arrivals making a major contribution. Overnights in accommodation facilities increased by 38.2% year-on-year, totalling some 399.5 million. Arrivals, on the other hand, grew by 2.8% to 112.3 million. These are clear recovery trends although, when compared with 2019, they are still 8.5% lower in terms of overnights and 14.5% of arrivals.
European visitors were the main driving force behind the recovery, but there was also strong growth from North America, with the US in prime position. All Italian regions benefitted, though the art cities recorded the most significant growth (they had also suffered most during the pandemic. Ed.) Forecasts for the first three months of 2023 are rosy although the slow economic growth in the Eurozone, high inflation, rising energy prices and, of course, the war in Ukraine are casting shadows, and could slow down the recovery in the first part of the year.
Journalist
