Brief analysis about tourism in Italy

In this brief analysis about tourism in Italy find a general description of the country´s tourist situation, including the most important tourist regions and a data overview. In conclusion you will find some information concerning the bureaucratic procedures.
This analysis is strictly designed for industries as hospitality, gastronomy and tourism.

Data Overview

Country:             Italy
Population:        Approx. 60 Millions
Tourism:             442 Millions overnights in 2023
Revenue:            Euro 190 billion in 2022

Tourist citys and regions

The most visited cities in Italy are Rome, Venice, Milan and Florence. Rome and Florence are very popular for the historical highlights. Furthermore, Tuscany region, is explored by tourists during the entire year, because the beautiful countrysides. Farmhouses are popular in the region too.
Milan is representing the business and fashion capital, counting 8,8 Mio. visitors per year. Moreover, Milan and surrounding cities, such as Turin and Genova are the most important industrial districts. Instead, concerning the car industry, Bologna and Modena are international known as headquarters of Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Other beautiful tourist cities are Naples, Matera, Pisa, Rimini, Como and Verona.
Moving on the mountains, alps are popular as winter and summer destinations: there are millions of visitors per year and the most visited towns are Cortina d`Ampezzo, Merano, Livigno and Champoluc.
Italy is famous for the amazing maritime landscapes and there are many important tourist coasts.
One of the most fancy location is Amalfi coast in Campania region, at approx. 1 hour car distance from Naples. Close by there are the small islands Capri and Ischia. Other famous coastlines are Le 5 Terre, next to Genova, Riviera Romagnola and Salento.  

Islands

Concerning the islands there are amazing places taking advantage of tourism. In Sardinia there is the famous for Smeralda coast, the luxury coastline, and Alghero, a charming coastal town.
In Sicily the most touristic towns are Taormina, Palermo and Catania.

General Information about tourism in Italy

In this brief analysis let´s focus on some general information about tourism in Italy. Tourism industry is one of the most relevant sources of income in Italy. History, art, culinary tradition, folklore, beaches and mountains… Italy has everything boasting a great mix of climate, vegetation and culture. Tourists are coming from all over the world: the top 5 nationalities (including annual visitors), who have travelled to Italy in 2019 (ISTAT analysis) are Germans (12 Mio.), Americans (6 Mio.), French (4 Mio.), British (3 Mio.) and Chinese (3 Mio.).
The approach for hospitality investors is not easy in this country: in Italy there are some cities struggling with overtourism as Venice since years and last year was the time for Amalfi coast. In any case, overtourism has a negative impact on locals, therefor investments are not always suggestable because after chaotic seasons it might be many local restrictions, but it depends on the cities.

Another negative aspect for investors is that most of the properties are belonging to families or national brands.
Despite the peculiar situation, there are some cities where international structures are increasing, trying to keep the authenticity of the Italian atmosphere. For instance, in Rome there are many new openings (mostly are luxury brands). There are also opportunities on the Alps, in Milan and in Tuscany.

Beaurocratic information

As mentioned, some cities might have restrictions: the best way is to visit the most interesting locations and evaluate the business possibilities on-site.  
In any case, after found a location for a Hotel, a B&B or for a Restaurant, there are some fundamental legislative measures to take: suggestable is to visit the Town Hall for getting all information or to consider a consultancy.
The regional legislation´s main requirements are the following:

• VAT number,
• registration of the company at the Chamber of Commerce (camera di commercio),
• registration for social security and industrial accidents (INPS & INAIL),
• Certified Declaration of Commencement Activities (SCIA)
• SAB certificate (for selling food & drinks).

There is the possibility to have one reference for the new business, which is called SUAP “One-stop shop for Productive Activities”. It concerns an online portal where it is possible to proceed with all administrative procedures. Very useful for communication and authorizations.