The latest data from ENIT, the Italian Tourist Board, show that more visitors are taking holidays during sporting events that are held in Italy.
Sporting events have a strong economic impact
“In 2024 some 560,000 international travellers chose Italy for sports holidays (+4.7% against 2023 ), generating about 2 million overnight stays (+8.7% over 2023) with an economic impact of €338 million (+3.3% compared to ‘23)” says a note from ENIT.
“Events are an important hook for the growth of tourism”
The rapport between tourism and sport in Italy with Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Austria the main markets that choose Italy for this type of holiday. “Events and sporting events are an important hook for the growth of tourism in Italy, that generate a positive economic impact throughout the country. By attracting foreign travellers in conjunction with major sporting events, Italy makes its unique beauty known,” said ENIT’s CEO Ivana Jelinic.
Sport and tourism rare a winning combination
The Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, who was in Rome at the Internatipnal BNL d’Italia tennis tournament this week, said: “Sport and tourism represent a winning combination for Italy, contributing significantly to the success of Italian tourism and to the wellbeing of our nation. Sporting events like this tennis tournament attract visitors from all over the world, further enhancing the value of our tourist destinations and generating significant economic benefits.”
