Italy is emerging as the top choice for British travellers next year. Although currently it may not claim the same level of popularity as Spain, Italy continues to lure millions of Brits every year.
Last year alone, Italy welcomed a total of 4.1 million British visitors, securing its place as the fourth most popular destination among British tourists, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Italy’s hot weather in the summer, its picturesque landscapes and blu beaches, and an abundance of historical monuments attract holidaymakers to the United Kingdom. The Italian cuisine is another important attraction for the British.
In addition, the fallout from Brexit has failed to dampen the UK’s enduring love for Italy. Among the destinations Britons are planning to visit next year are Rome, Naples, and Florence.
However, while Italy offers a fascinating experience all year round, the peak tourist seasons, which include summer (June-August) and winter (December-February), tend to increase accommodation and attractions prices.
Next year, cities like Rome, Matera, Naples, the Dolomites, and Sicily will be among the top destinations in Italy that attract travellers with their unique charms and attractions.
In this regard, the Italian capital, Rome, continues to be a perennial favourite among travellers. It is a city that boasts many iconic attractions and cultural treasures.
From the stunning Colosseum and historic Roman Pantheon to the majesty of Vatican City and the picturesque Spanish Steps, Rome offers many experiences that can easily occupy visitors for several days. Its rich history, art, and culinary delights make it a perennially appealing destination.
Last month, the Italian Ministry of Tourism revealed that this summer’s most sought-after destinations in Italy consisted mainly of seaside resorts, accounting for 43 per cent of total bookings. It also noted that these coastal getaways offered a significant 31 per cent cost-savings advantage compared to average prices in competing countries such as Greece, Spain, and France.
Following its Schengen accession on January 1, 2023, Croatia has also become another favourite destination for British tourists. According to local media, during the first half of 2018, around 1.4 million UK residents embarked on trips to the Adriatic region for their holidays, marking a year-on-year increase of 40 per cent.
At the same time, there has also been a marked increase in the number of nights spent by UK visitors to Croatia, rising from 3.3 million in 2016 to 4.6 million by 2019.
FAQs
Italy is anticipated to become a popular destination for British tourists in 2024. According to EU Helpers, Italy received 4.1 million British tourists just last year, making it the fourth most popular country for British travelers.
What is the tourism forecast for Italy in 2024? ›
Italy is set to host 65.8 million tourists this summer and they will enjoy a total of 266 million overnight stays, according to the Demoskopika institute's Summer 2024 Tourism Forecast, published by ANSA on Thursday.
What is the trend in tourism in Europe in 2024? ›
Forecasts suggest tourists will spend €742.8bn euros in Europe in 2024, a rise of 14.3% on last year. Travellers' expenditure on food and beverages is projected to surge by 30% compared to 2023, posing good prospects for providers of gastronomic experiences in Europe.
What is the tourism trend in the UK in 2024? ›
The 2024 forecast is for 25.1 million visits and £13.9 billion spending. Long haul markets had recovered to 97% of 2019 visits levels in 2023 in aggregate and full recovery to 100% is forecast for 2024; this equates to 13.5 million visits and £18.6 billion spending.
What is the future of Italy tourism? ›
According to an updated research report from Future Market Insights, the Italy tourism industry is poised to reach a valuation of US$ 27.3 billion by 2024. Further forecasts suggest a subsequent increase to US$ 51.2 billion by 2034, illustrating a consistent growth trajectory.
How hot will Italy be in 2050? ›
If the world continues on a high-emissions pathway, by 2050, average annual temperatures in Italy could increase by as much as 2.4°C, making extreme weather events like the heat waves and wildfires the country is currently seeing even more frequent and severe.
What are the best times of year to go to Italy? ›
The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, the prices are low and the crowds are thin. Italy is fortunate to have a temperate climate most of the year, with the summer months (June, July, and August) being the hottest.
Where is tourism booming? ›
The most popular travel countries
| Rank | Country/Region | Receipts (in billion $) |
|---|
| 1 | France | 44.40 $ |
| 2 | Mexico | 20.55 $ |
| 3 | Spain | 34.18 $ |
| 4 | Turkey | 27.90 $ |
55 more rowsTravel trends in 2025 show communities around the world are embracing a growing desire for more authentic travel. This will allow travelers to have less time on tour buses and more time with local residents. It also opens the door for more sustainable travel.
What is the tourism arrival forecast? ›
By 2024, the government forecasts tourist arrivals will completely rebound, surpassing 2019 levels with a projected growth of 2%. In 2023, foreign tourist visits surged by 106.6% to 1.5 million compared to the previous year.
The projected number of international tourists for 2024 is a substantial 1.53 billion, a noteworthy increase from the previous year. The industry's contribution to the global GDP in 2023 was 10.6%. Looking ahead, there's an optimistic year-to-year growth forecast of over 17.24% in 2024.
What is the status of tourism in the UK? ›
Report highlights. Recovery of inbound visits to the UK slowed down in Q4 2023 to 9.4m. Visits were down 8% vs Q4 2019 (similar to previous quarters in 2023) and were also down 2% vs 2022. A similar pattern for spend was seen, which totalled at £7.4bn down 2% vs 2019 and down 4% vs 2022.
Where does Italy rank in tourism? ›
Italy ranks fifth in the world by number of international arrivals, with around 50 million tourists, and sixth in terms of tourist spending, equal to approximately $46 billion.
Why do tourists choose Italy? ›
Italy is a country famous not only for its glorious landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, but also for the Italian divine food that is a perfect fit for everyone. Italian food is one of the many reasons why such a huge number of tourists come to Italy every year.
Is Italy's economy getting better? ›
Economic growth slowed to 0.9% in 2023 and is forecast at 0.9% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2025, as government-supported residential investment is replaced by RRF-backed capital spending. The fall in energy prices is expected to lead inflation to bottom out at 1.6% this year, before increasing slightly to 1.9% in 2025.
Is tourism up in Italy? ›
After shrinking with the onset of the health crisis, the total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy bounced back in 2022, reaching nearly 75 million. That said, this figure, which includes overnight and same-day travelers, remained significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
What is the GDP forecast for Italy in 2024? ›
Italian Gdp is expected to increase in both 2023 (+1.2%) and 2024 (+1.1%), albeit slower than in 2022.
What is the growth forecast for Italy? ›
The latest macroeconomic forecast for Italy. Economic growth slowed to 0.9% in 2023 and is forecast at 0.9% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2025, as government-supported residential investment is replaced by RRF-backed capital spending.
