Those for the tourism sector drawn up by the Region for the first quarter of the year are positive numbers. Ravenna and the coast continue to demonstrate their solidity, despite coming from many (and well-known) difficulties. As reported yesterday by Carlino in an article regarding campsite openings, the bad weather these days doesn’t help. Despite this, mosaics, food and wine, monuments and beaches continue to be a magnet for tourists. We arrive at the data, the result of communications made by the accommodation facilities to the Region. In the period January-March 2024, there was a 22% growth in tourists in the province compared to 2023 and 25% compared to 2019. Overall, in the first quarter of the year, 134 thousand people came to visit the area, 20 thousand of which foreigners. The most popular cities were Ravenna (62,585 people) and Cervia (46,656). Let’s now look at the overnight stays in the quarter: in total they were just under 365 thousand, largely Italian (281 thousand); The remaining 83 thousand are foreign. The trend is positive, because overall there was an increase of 24% compared to 2023 and even 50% compared to 2019. Let’s now isolate the position of Ravenna, which the statistics distinguish into ‘Ravenna City’ and ‘Ravenna Mare’.
The city (we are therefore talking about monuments, mosaics, exhibitions) was visited by 48,266 people (39 thousand Italians), +2% compared to 2023 and +13.4% compared to 2019. Overnight stays were 102 thousand (80 thousand Italians), +5 and +27% compared to the two years. The beaches recorded record numbers of tourists, 14,319 (12 thousand local tourists), +73% compared to 2023 and +67% compared to 2019; overnight stays were also very good: out of 74 thousand or so, Italians prevailed (58 thousand), with double growth in this case too: +42% and +101% respectively in 2023 and 2019. Focus now on Cervia: arrivals in cities on the Riviera were, as mentioned, equal to 46,656, +52% on 2023 and +57% on 2019. The lion’s share belongs to Italians (88% of the total); the remaining 12% speak foreign. Overnight stays in Cervia are also growing: 112,549 (+49% and +106% compared to the same quarter of 2023 and 2019).
Negative numbers in Faenza: -1.9% of tourists compared to 2023 and -6.3% in 2019 (total 11,884 people). On the other hand, overnight stays in the town of Manfreda are increasing (35,889 total; +13.9% and +10.1%). Lights and shadows in Brisighella, one of the most beautiful villages not only in Romagna. 1,746 tourists, +10% on 2023, but -26% on 2019. 3,640 overnight stays. +30% and -13% if compared with the two years. Lugo smiles: 6,799 tourists, +5.8% and +15.7% on 2023 and 2019, with 14,387 overnight stays: +7.4 and +18.8%. In short, the sector confirms itself as an important driving force for the entire territory.
