Back from holiday, here's how and where Italians spent more than 28 billion

With the red dot counter-exodus, the summer holidays come to an end for most Italians, who this year spent over 28 billion euros on travel, accommodation, meals and souvenirs. Drawing a balance on the occasion of the return to the cities is the Coldiretti/Ixè analysis, according to which holidays cost 12% more than in 2023.

A trend that has led tourists to sandwich wherever possible, without giving up their holiday. It is no coincidence that more than one in ten holidaymakers (11%) ate mostly sandwiches during their holidays, according to Ixè, more than last year. However, the number of those who chose agritourisms and pizzerias for their meals also increased.

Overall, 38 million Italians spent at least one day on holiday in summer 2024 in Italy or abroad, half a million more than in 2023, according to Coldiretti/Ixè. The most popular type of holiday was the traditional seven days, chosen by 28% of those who went on holiday, while another 25% took holidays of up to two weeks. A 14% spent up to three weeks away, while 7% stayed on holiday for a month and 3% even longer. An 18%, however, had to make do with just three days.

The sea confirms itself as the holiday destination par excellence, ahead of the countryside and nature parks, with the green holiday now becoming part of holidaymakers' habits. Mountains are in third place, ahead of art resorts. One in three Italians (32%) spent their holidays in their region of residence, but there is also a 29% who went abroad, with a clear preference for Europe.

Alberghi and bed and breakfasts were the facilities most used by holidaymakers, although 13% took advantage of their second home and 19% relied on the hospitality of relatives and friends. Agritourism is becoming more and more popular, thanks also to the availability of the almost 26,000 active structures throughout Italy, which, driven, according to Terranostra and Campagna Amica, by the search for a more sustainable tourism, have increased the offer of experiential activities with innovative services for sportsmen, the curious and environmentalists, as well as offering various cultural activities.