Mamma mia, that’s a lot of visitors! Italy’s tourism figures continue to impress
The latest figures show that Italy remains on fine form. Its tourism industry is booming as visitors from across the world continue to be attracted by the peninsular country’s myriad of charms.
The latest figures released by the Italian National Tourism Observatory (INTO) show that Italy is on track to reach 53.5 million international arrivals during 2013, representing a 2.5% increase on the previous year. Germany is responsible for the lion’s share of the arrivals, making up some 37% of visitors.
- Italy on track to reach 53.5 million international arrivals during 2013 (INTO)
- German visitors making up 37% of market share
- 2014 expected to see 3% additional increase in arrivals
American, French and British tourists are also flocking to Italian shores and, when you consider Italy’s attractions, it is easy to see why. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, whose family-run company Appassionata has renovated two fractional ownership luxury holiday homes in Italy’s Le Marche region, explains,
“Italy really does have it all: fabulous weather, incredible cuisine and delightful, ancient architecture. Here in Le Marche visitors have access to pristine beaches, mountains with stunning scenery, a wide choice of winter sports, equestrian tourism… everything is at their fingertips.”
Culinary tourism and holidays in lesser known areas such as Le Marche have proven particularly popular with German visitors, while the Italian Equestrian Tourism Federation has noted a huge boom in equestrian tourists in recent years. Recent data estimates that Italy accounts for 1.5 million of Europe’s 30 million horseback holidaymakers. It’s a growing market and one that Dawn is personally familiar with.
“We arrived in Italy and began renovating our two properties back in 2007. Since then, I seem to have somehow ended up with a stable full of rescued horses! I’ve used natural horsemanship techniques to win their trust and develop them into the confident, healthy creatures that they deserve to be. A growing number of our fractional owners enjoy riding the horses and seeing the countryside from a new perspective on horseback.”
The bigger picture to all of this is that the positive news for Italy’s tourism industry seems set to continue steadily into the years ahead. An additional 3% of international arrivals are expected by INTO during 2014, as Italy’s attractions continue to generate global interest. The mixture of nationalities visiting the country is vast, as Dawn has found out through running Appassionata:
“Casa Leopardi, which is the larger of our two properties, with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and its own private pool, has attracted interest from owners based all over the world. They are enticed by the rural Italian lifestyle that our five acre estate offers – they can enjoy wine, olive oil and truffles all produced from the crops within the estate’s borders which flourish under the Italian sunshine. Across our two holiday homes, we have owners from as far afield as South Africa, Switzerland, Italy, Scotland, France, Ireland, England and America.”
For those looking to be part of Italy’s continued success as a tourist destination, Casa Leopardi has just two fractions left for sale, at £195,000 each for five weeks’ use per year. It is indicative of Italy’s enduring popularity that the first eight fractions of the property have sold within a year of it being renovated. It seems that those wanting to enjoy Casa Leopardi’s luxurious accommodation will need to act fast to beat the crowds!
For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi.