The impact of COVID-19 on tourism in Italy has been tough, however the most recent Italy tourism statistics show that this summer will be the most normal season for the tourism industry in Italy since before the pandemic. COVID travel predictions for 2022 show that the desire to travel is back, especially when it comes to staying in hotels. Let's have a closer look at the post-pandemic tourism trends in Italy in 2022.
Industry experts are calling it "revenge travel": after two years in limbo, tourists across Europe and the world are preparing a comeback in style among tourist destinations, of which Italy is a very popular option. According to the Italian tourism council, Confturismo, 23 million residents in Italy intend to take a trip during the summer, and a third of them will choose hotel accommodation, while millions more are expected to travel to the country from abroad.
According to a Confturismo survey, the travel intention index has returned to pre-pandemic levels, i.e. 67 points out of 100. Of the 23 million Italian residents aged between 18 and 74 who plan to book a holiday in summer 2022, only a quarter have already done so: the rest are waiting for last-minute opportunities.
There are also some notable changes in Italy's tourism trends after the pandemic: last year 34% of respondents chose a holiday rental, compared to 26% who preferred to spend their summer holiday in a hotel. However, in 2022, the percentages tell an opposite story and hotels are making a comeback: 31% of respondents will choose a hotel while 21% state that would prefer a short-term holiday rental. The desire to enjoy a relaxing, carefree holiday, without fear of the pandemic is back.
Among the most popular destinations in Italy this summer are the beach, followed by mountains, cities of art and culture, and Italian villages, while the average expenditure is expected to be 1,080 euros for a holiday of more than 7 days.
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