Visitor numbers increased during the first half of 2026, driven primarily by international tourists. Tourism Minister Mazzi said "The sector remains a pillar of the national economy."
Tourism has reached record levels in 2026, according to the Interior Ministry with the region of Calabria leading the way. Sardinia is also expected to record an 8.24% rise in visitor arrivals, driven by a significant boom in foreign visitors.
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The figures are based primarily on data from the Interior Ministry’s Alloggiati Web platform, together with official statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Istat.
What online booking platform occupancy rates reveal about Italy
Italy has once again confirmed its position as Europe’s most popular destination, including for the summer of 2026.
The OTA occupancy rate – which indicates how full accommodation properties are across online booking platforms – stands at 51.2%, ahead of competitors such as Spain (42.8%) and France (32.9%). By contrast, the average nightly rate (€153) remains lower than in Spain (€170) and Greece (€195).
According to data from the Statistics Office of the Ministry of Tourism, the highest occupancy rates are recorded in Veneto (57.5%), Emilia-Romagna (56.7%), and the autonomous provinces of Trento (55.7%) and Bolzano (54.9%).
They are followed by Friuli Venezia Giulia (53.7%), Sicily (53.3%), and Tuscany (52.5%), all of which sit above the national average.
In June and July, occupancy rates rose by 13.4% and 10% respectively compared with the same period last year.
Tourism is not limited to coastal destinations: lake areas record the highest occupancy levels (54%), followed by spa towns and seaside resorts (both at 51%).
In these areas, growth is almost twice the national average, which stands at just under 4.5%.
Figures from the Interior Ministry suggest that 2026 is shaping up to be a record year for tourism in Italy, particularly in Sardinia.
Which regions saw the strongest growth in tourist arrivals in 2026
In the first half of 2026, tourist arrivals increased significantly across Italy, rising by 4.43% compared with the same period in 2025.
Here is the ranking of the regions that recorded the biggest rises in tourist arrivals in 2026:
- Calabria (+10.54%)
- Umbria (+9.70%)
- Piedmont (+9.22%)
- Sardinia (+8.24%)
- Puglia (+7.43%)
- Liguria
International arrivals from abroad are up 6.45% (with outstanding performances in Calabria +23.19%, Puglia +14.63%, Abruzzo +14.04%, Molise +13.14%, Basilicata +11.55%, Sardinia +11.44%, Piedmont +10.38%), and domestic arrivals are up 1.97%, with peaks in Umbria (+13.64%) and Liguria (+8.89%).
There is particularly significant growth in non-hotel tourism(+7.46%), while hotel facilities have seen a 2.27% increase.
Why tourism is a pillar of Italy’s national economy
"These figures confirm that, in a world of global challenges, Italy’s tourism sector continues to post record results. The sector is proving ever more strategic and is confirming its role as a pillar of the national economy. The ministry will continue to invest and to look to the future with optimism," explains Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi.
"Italy is at the top of European tourism, a result that recognises the beauty of our country, the quality of our offer and the hard work of the entire tourism sector," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed.
Adding "My thanks go to the entrepreneurs, workers and professionals in the sector who every day help make Italy a destination that is increasingly attractive and competitive. The government will continue to play its part in supporting a sector that is strategic for our economy and for the country’s growth," the prime minister concluded.
