Bernabò Bocca, president of Federalberghi and Sina Hotels, expresses optimism about the growth of Italian tourism in 2024 following a "very positive" 2023, especially for art cities. Bocca highlights the significant increase in American tourists, who are spending generously and favoring luxury accommodations. Despite concerns about the decline in Russian tourism, the surge in American visitors has compensated for the loss. However, the potential of Chinese tourism remains uncertain. Bocca aims to showcase Italy's diverse attractions beyond popular destinations like Rome, Venice, and Florence, emphasizing hidden gems like Perugia and Umbria to American tourists.
Regarding mountain tourism, skiing holidays attract 8.9 million Italians, generating a turnover of USD 6.1 billion, primarily in Italy and hotels. Bocca also discusses luxury tourism, emphasizing its potential to benefit not only accommodation facilities but the entire economy. However, he notes challenges such as the concentration of luxury hotels in a few destinations and the need to improve service quality across the tourism sector. Despite a shift to shorter-term bookings compared to the previous year, reservations are increasing, showing growth potential for the Italian tourism industry. Overall, Bocca's insights underscore the resilience and adaptability of the Italian tourism sector post-COVID-19, with a focus on diversification, quality improvement, and attracting high-spending international visitors.
