“In 2024, the Sicily looks like one an increasingly popular tourist destination both from the Italian market and from the foreign market. After a period of crisis due to the pandemic, the Sicilian tourism sector has regained strength, attractingattention of numerous investors And operators of the sector”. To affirm it is Elvira Amata, regional councilor for Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the region.
The 2024 prospects are therefore “very positive, thanks to the variety of attractors. Furthermore, Sicily has proven to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, with a wide range of quality accommodation facilities and a high quality of services offered”, adds Amata.
The performances of 2023
In 2023, the Region’s Tourism Department achieved an “unprecedented” result in terms of tourism promotion and development. Thanks to one targeted strategy and to theimplementation of new tourism policies“Sicily has become one of the most sought-after and appreciated destinations internationally”.
Numbers in hand, 2023 has achieved “over 16 million 462 thousand visitors overall, a significant increase compared to the same period of 2022, demonstrating a sector that is significantly advanced compared to the pre-pandemic situation (2019) when overnight stays on the island accounted for just over 15 million 115 thousand units”.
The data is even more “macroscopic” if you look at the foreign component who saw a +24.8% on 2022, which “has actually driven the trend of tourist flows in our region. An undoubtedly encouraging figure which conveys the image of a lively, dynamic and constantly growing post-pandemic sector, demonstrating the effectiveness of the sector policies implemented by the regional administration and the good work done in terms of identification of target markets and actions to promote the destination”.
Visitors all year round
The region aimed “at a increase in sustainable tourism and of qualitygiven impetus to actions aimed at strengthen the element of seasonal adjustment and specific actions undertaken in this sense”.
Added to this is the organization “of events and demonstrations of international importance, such as the Sicilia Jazz Festival and the Bellini inFest, which have also made it a point of reference for cultural tourism”.
Furthermore, “an increase in investments in the hotel and hospitality sector in general, which will guarantee greater quality and diversification of the tourist offer”. Thanks to these results, the region is able to “attract visitors all year round and to contribute significantly to the development of the regional economy”. Furthermore, “the synergy with all the players in the tourism supply chain” is being strengthened.
A profiled offer
Among the actions implemented there is the constant commitment to “profile a tourist offer which is as compliant as possible with all the needs of the tourist and which is inclusive of all the segments that make up the offer as a whole”.
From the Italian marketan increase in national tourism is expected thanks to the attention paid by the Department to sustainable tourism and of proximitywhile from foreign market an increase in tourist flows is expected, especially from countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom thanks to greater promotion of the territory and the opening of new routes with direct air connections”.
Amata points out that, “the attention towards the experiential tourism and food and wine is becoming increasingly important and Sicily, with its variety of typical products and its history, is ready to welcome guests, offering them authentic experiences. In summary, the prospects for 2024 are very promising and a significant increase in both national and international tourist flows is expected.”
Conquering new markets
European countries, like Germany, France, United Kingdom and Spainstand out as the basins from which the majority of foreign visitors come, “but it is not only Europeans who are attracted by the beauty of the island, even tourists from non-European countries as United States, Canada, Australia And Japan they choose Sicily as a destination for their holidays”.
The councilor states that, in 2024, Sicily “yes will open up new marketsthus expanding the commercial and tourist opportunities for the island – continues Amata – such as China and India. Without neglecting the already loyal markets that have always chosen Sicily for their holidays”.
The various forms of tourism
The seaside tourism confirms its position among the most established segments, but Sicily also offers “a archaeological and artistic-cultural heritagewith numerous recognitions from UNESCO”.
What is constantly growing is the “nature tourism, thanks to the numerous parks and nature reserves and still active volcanoes. Further attention was paid to slow tourism through the elaboration of a specific Route Map which illustrates twelve already mapped paths that express the different specificities at a naturalistic and route level”, explains Amata.
At Discover Italy
An offer that will be brought to the attention of buyers present at Discover Italy, the b2b incoming workshop held in Sestri Levante, where Sicily makes its debut. The Ligurian event will be “an opportunity to narrate and offer market knowledge the diversity and multiplicity of landscapes and traditions that make the island an ideal destination for all forms of tourism”.
From the nature themethanks to the numerous reserves and the island heritage “made up of the Egadi Islands, the Aeolian Islands and the Pelagian Islands”, to culturebetween archaeological sites and historical monuments.
Without forgetting the Kitchen“to be retraced through the numerous food and wine itineraries in the name of flavors and typical products. A recent survey showed that Sicily is in first place in the ranking of the most searched for regional dishes on the web with ‘pasta alla norma’. Finally, it is ideal for those looking for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and well-being“, supported by tourist accommodation, which also includes “facilities dedicated to wellness”.
Stefania Vicini
Tags: Discover Italy, Discover Italy 2024, Sicily Region
