Italy shines at the WTM London with a year of record growth, as underlined by the country’s tourism bosses.
“It makes us realize how important our country is”
"It’s very interesting that there are increasing demands from operators to be here in London, at the WTM. It makes us realize how important our country is, and how much interest it arouses, of course in the UK market, which is currently hosting us, but also in other markets,- said ENIT’s CEO Ivana Jelinic presenting the country at the WTM in London. -Thanks of course to Minister Daniela Santanchè, who leads tourism with great vision, and to the Italian Ambassador to London, Inigo Lambertini.”
“The UK market is third in terms of tourism expenditure”
‘I am honoured to be here in London,- said tourism minister Daniela Santanchè. "The UK market is the third largest in terms of tourism expenditure in Italy: Veneto, Lazio, Lombardy, Campania, Sardinia and Tuscany are the most popular regions and Italy continues to hold pride of place in Europe with +5.7% total overnight stays between January and July 2025 , which is +10.4% if we look exclusively at international overnights. Tourism brought in almost €25 billion from international tourism in the first half of the year (+5.9%) with a tourism balance for the first six months of €9.2 billion (up +6.5%). There were 105.5 million international airport passengers in the first 8 months ( +7.4% over 2024) and a 2025 closing forecast of €185 billion in total tourist consumption, with foreign spending in Italy estimated at +9.4% and domestic spending at +1.6%. "
WTTC surveys show employment figures on the rise
The latest WTTC surveys show that employment figures among women and young people stand at 1.34 million jobs in tourism’s direct and indirect supply chains, up on 2019 when there were 1.28 million; the 17.1% of high-wage employment in tourism is against the 15.4% European average, with a reduction of youth unemployment with 134,000 young people directly employed in travel and tourism.
