Rome, 80% of hotel rooms occupied for 1 May. But arrivals from the Middle East plummet

For the May Day holiday, Rome confirms itself as one of the favourite destinations for Italians, with a more spent and diversified tourism compared to the Jubilee. Hotel occupancy reached 80%, driven by 3-4 star hotels and extra-hotel structures. However, Asian and Middle Eastern tourism declined due to flight difficulties and the war in Iran. Rising flight prices of up to 30% could push many Italians to reconsider their summer destinations. Facilities are adapting with flexible fares and last-minute bookings. This was announced by Assoturismo Roma. President Angelo di Porto explains: "For the May Day holiday, Rome will confirm itself as one of the most popular destinations for Italians, with museums, good food and events. We will see a different kind of tourism from the Jubilee one with a higher spending capacity'.

Assoturismo Roma reports that hotel and non-hotel occupancy in this period stands at 80%, being in the height of the tourist season at least until the beginning of July. We record a copious Italia tourism, joined by Europe and the Americas. The biggest beneficiaries are 3-4 star hotels and extra-hotel facilities. For 5-star hotels the percentages are slightly lower, also affected by the international situation linked to the war in Iran. Asian and Middle Eastern tourism reports a drop of about 13%. Generally high-spending tourism. Decline due to the difficulty of maintaining linearity in air routes due to the problem of stopovers in hot territories affected by the war such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Finally, another problem not to be underestimated, explains Di Porto: 'The increase in airline flight prices, which have also risen up to 30% to and from Italia. This is significant as many compatriots may also re-evaluate their holiday destination this summer'. Last-minute bookings are confirmed, and accommodation facilities are increasingly price-conscious and ready to reschedule their rates so as not to end up with gaps in bookings.