The Umbria region is working to revitalize small towns and villages by implementing measures to restore residential life and services while securing resources for urban regeneration.
“We need to turn tourist visits into long-term stays”
“Umbria is still seen as a land of passage,- explains tourism councilor Simona Meloni. - We need to turn tourist visits into long-term stays, and the dialogue with those who live in the area is fundamental. My aim is to initiate a discussion phase focused on addressing all requests from those who dedicate themselves daily to enhancing villages and maintaining their vitality."
Moving towards enhance natural attractions
The Region promotes forms of tourism in line with the natural vocation of the territory in the name of sustainability, which is one of the objectives of the 2030 agenda. “We intend increasingly favouring tourist activities that respect the local area and promoting its social life and culture with positive economic repercussions. The Council is about to adopt a measure to cancel the amendment of the previous administration that transformed paths into roads suitable for motor vehicles. We are also working on a project to connect the parks and lakes, which are some of our great natural attractions.”
A spin-off from the Jubilee Year
Umbria is also preparing to welcome the considerable flow of pilgrims expected for the many Jubilee events. “In addition to these exceptional events,- continues Simona Meloni, -Umbria can also boast a wide range of tourist attractions, from cultural events to food and wine, and from nature trails to outdoor sports. Large events, festivals and theatre performances are all attracting growing numbers of spectators, as are the National Gallery of Umbria and the regional museum network, while the proposals for slow tourism and walking options are truly groundbreaking."
An 11.6% increase in foreigner visitors in 2024
2024 saw a 4.8% increase in tourist arrivals, a 10.1% growth in foreign visitors and a 2.7% rise in Italians visiting the region, while overnight stays rose by 6.4%. There was a 11.6% increase in foreigner visitors and a 3.7% rise in Italians, while accommodation facilities recorded a growth of 10.3%. Umbria is the second region chosen by visitors wanting to spend their holidays in Italy with the US, German, Belgian, French and UK markets in the lead. “We will continue to promote Umbria as a unique and unmissable destination and aim to consolidate the results achieved. "We are closely monitoring the growth of the tourism market while fully adhering to socio-environmental policies. We expect an influx of tourists and pilgrims for the major religious events this year and are working to make sure that adequate accommodation is available throughout the region’.
