Golden bridges for the tourism sector, but also for the pockets of Italians, according to estimates Confcommercio with the Tourism Observatory developed by Swg. With almost 16 million of departures between 25 April and 1 May – of which 1 million for trips with 6 nights or more at the destination, combining the two holidays – Italians do not miss the appointment with spring and its long weekends, spending a total of around 5.5 billion of Euro.
If then the weather forecast stabilized, in particular for that 30% or so who aim for Beach resortsthe values could grow further, touching the 20 million departures for around 6 billion in terms of spending. In the overall panorama of the two bridges, the choice of tourist accommodation facilities for overnight stays at the destination remains the majority: between 55% and 60% depending on the period taken into consideration, even if, for that of May 1st, it doubles the percentage of those who opt for short-term rentals (from 6% to 12%).
The Observatory also notes how the Liberation Dayfalling on a Thursday, generated albeit short trips or trips for longer 9 million of Italians, approximately a million more of last year, thus confirming the good performance of internal tourism demand which, since February, seems to have overcome the “tired” phase that had characterized it for a good part of the second half of 2023.
DESTINATIONS: BETWEEN VILLAGES AND A TASTE OF THE SEA
The choice of destinations is quite concentrated: 31% opt for coastal locations and a further 31% instead aim to villages And art Citywhile one Italian in 10 prefers it mountain. But above all, in comparison with the same period of 2023, the number of those who go outside their own region, however remaining in Italy (47%) or going abroad (17%) rises by 6 percentage points. .
The average stay at the destination is also increasing, with 3 out of 10 Italians planning trips of 4 days or more, a third of which will combine the two bridges and stay at their destination for more than 6 days. The approach to budget forecasts is less enthusiastic, which, in terms of average spending per capita, remains in line with that of last year, i.e. 320 euros.
FEWER DEPARTURES FOR MAY 1ST
The forecast for the May 1st long weekend is also positive, with almost 7.5 million of Italians travelling, one million of whom, however, as mentioned, have been on holiday since April 25th. Here the variable of the weather conditions weighs more heavily, at least for the moment: an uncertainty that spills over into the choice of destinationswith the seaside ones decreasing slightly, to 26%, while villages and cities of art total a total of 22%, i.e. 9 points less than the Liberation bridge.
Third type of destination, countryside locations, with a significant component of second homes, which account for 14% of preferences. The mountain is stable. Also in this case the increase compared to last year radius of movement of Italians travelling: the share of those who will stay close to home or, in any case, in their own region, is reduced by 12 percentage points (from 51% to 39%) and increases by 14% that of those who will go abroad. However, it reduces from 340 to 310 euros the average per capita expenditure assumed as the budget.
FEDERCONSUMATORS: BRIDGES AT VERY HIGH PRICES, UNACCEPTABLE PRICE RISES
But it is precisely about budgets that Consumer Federation turns the spotlight on, denouncing a series of heavy price increases: according to its national observatory, the cost differences compared to any week in May are truly significant, which on balance will weigh on the citizens’ choices and will impact the performance of the entire tourism sector. For those who have chosen to leave for the April 25 long weekend, the average price increase on national flights is +116% and even reaches +120% for those to European capitals. Things are no better for those who choose to travel by coach (+48%) and train (+28%). However, the price increases for hotels (+5%) and restaurants (+4%) are more limited.
For those leaving on May 1st, the increase for domestic flights stands at +58% and there is an increase of +14% regarding the average cost towards European capitals. For who travel by bus the increase is +22%, while it stops at +4% for those who choose the train. Also in this case, the increases in prices for hotels (+4%) and restaurants (+6%) prove to be less expensive, but still noteworthy.
Finally, who will leave in car will have to deal with the skyrocketing costs of fuelswhich in the summer season will also be aggravated by increases in Telepass. In light of all these price increases, most departing families will try to contain expensesopting for stays with friends or relatives, lunches in farmhouses, picnics and low cost transport solutions (sharing car or bus rides or booking your ticket well in advance).
