In Rome, sporting events (and not only) are the driving force behind tourism. The numbers tell the story, which from last year to today show constant, record-breaking growth. With the closing of the international equestrian competition in Piazza di Siena at Villa Borghese, councilor Alessandro Onorato takes stock and does not slow down his enthusiasm: “It is the Wimbledon of horse riding”.
The growing data of sports tourism in Rome
On the other hand, as mentioned, the data do not help to keep our feet on the ground. Sports tourism, made up of those who attend and attend events, contributes significantly to the flow of people in the capital. They fill the hotels, visit the museums, consume in the restaurants and buy in the shops: in 2024 the forecasts indicate that the record recorded in 2023 will be exceeded. “From January to April – explains Onorato – we had +7.52% of arrivals and the +5.71% in attendance compared to 12 months ago. Between March and April 2024 the average room occupancy was 81.34%, also growing compared to 2023”.
Record number of passengers at Fiumicino
Estimates that do not yet take into account the Italian tennis internationals at the Foro Italico, Piazza di Siena and the Giro d’Italia in May. “We have confirmations from the hospitality hubs – continues the councilor for tourism, fashion, major events and sport -. On 17 May Fiumicino airport recorded the arrival of 157,870 people, with 978 total movements, an absolute record of passengers for the stopover”.
Tourism in Rome, record attendance in 2023 with 35 million overnight stays
56 thousand spectators in Piazza di Siena
In Piazza di Siena, on the occasion of the 91st CSIO, 30 countries are represented – from Mauritius to the United States – including athletes, technicians, media and staff, a ‘multiworld’ of the horse that creates immediate value and diffusion of the most famous brand to the world: Rome. And, if last year there were 50 thousand spectators (with free access), this year the toll was higher: 56 thousand people in the stands, +12% compared to the 2023 edition.
Onorato: “Rome is more dynamic, open and attractive”
A river of incoming money, taking into account that in 2021 the sports sector in Italy generated 21.9 billion euros, 1.3% of the national GDP. A study by the Institute for Sports Credit indicates how the number of sports tourists in our country grew from 2019 to 2022, going from 57 million to 63 million (+11.5%), with an incidence of 12%. “We have made Rome more dynamic, open and attractive – concludes the councilor – by offering visitors opportunities to return to the city more than once: no longer just to admire the archaeological sites and monuments, but also to attend major events”. More in general, Lazio confirms itself as one of the most visited territories, accounting for 12.2% of the total sports tourists who stop in Italy.
