ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Italy confirms itself as the European Queen of Tourism for the summer of 2026, recording an OTA saturation rate (51.2%) higher than competitors such as Spain (42.8%) and France (32.9%) and an average rate (153 euros) lower than Spain (170) and Greece (195), according to the elaborations of the Statistical Office of the Ministry of Tourism.
In particular, the highest saturation rates are observed in Veneto (57.5%), in Emilia-Romagna (56.7%), in the Autonomous Province of Trento (55.7%) and in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (54.9%). To follow, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (53.7%), Sicily (53.3%) and Tuscany (52.5%) show all values higher than the national average. In addition, the national saturation level for June and July recorded an increase on the same period of 2025, respectively of +13.4% and +10%.
Not only sea: the lake areas are those with the highest degree of saturation (54%), followed by thermal and bathing resorts (both 51%). The strong expansion of international demand towards Italy is evidenced by the increase in air research by 26% compared to last year.
Significant growth in some emerging or strengthening European markets, such as Poland (+76%), Germany (+66%) and Spain (+48%). In support of this trend, it has a contextual increase of aerial capacity, with a +14% of the offer of places on direct flights, more marked than Spain (+8%), Greece (+7%) and France (+2%).
Ferragosto also grows: flight searches for the period 14-16 August show a +17%, relative to both domestic and foreign components, compared to the same holiday of 2025. “The summer of 2026 confirms a success for tourism in Italy, with an OTA saturation rate of 51.2%, superior to competitors like Spain and France.
“The increase in air research by 26% compared to last year, combined with an increase in air capacity, shows a strong international interest in our country. Italy maintains its prime destination for visitors from all over the world. A result of a constant teamwork between government, business and industry operators. We are proud of this and look forward to the future with optimism,” said the Minister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi.
MELONI “IL GOVERNO SOSTIENE IL SETTORE STRATEGICO”
“Italy is confirmed at the summit of European tourism also for summer 2026. A result that rewards the beauty of our nation, the quality of our offer and the great work of the whole tourist sector. Thanks to entrepreneurs, workers and industry operators who every day contribute to making Italy an increasingly attractive and competitive destination. The government will continue to do its part to support a strategic sector for our economy and for the growth of the nation.” Thus on X the President of the Council, Giorgia Meloni.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
