Italy consolidates surplus in international tourism

Context

In short

Spending by foreign travelers in Italy increased by 4.3% compared to a year earlier, reaching 5.4 billion euros in May 2026. Spending by Italians abroad reached 2.7 billion, with a more contained growth of 2.2%. The tourism balance of payments was positive for 2.7 billion euros in May 2026.

International tourism continues to support Italy's foreign accounts

International tourism continues to support Italy's foreign accounts. In May 2026, the tourism balance of payments was positive for 2.7 billion euros, a slight increase compared to the same month of 2025. This is what emerges from the Bank of Italy's sample survey on international tourism, a survey started in 1996 and which over time has become one of the main statistical sources for measuring traveler flows and spending.

Spending by foreign travelers in Italy increased by 4.3%

In detail, in May foreigners spent 5.4 billion euros in Italy, 4.3% more than a year earlier. This increase was recorded especially in the Ticino region, where foreigners spent 120 million euros more than in the same month of 2025. Some examples of Ticino cities that have recorded a significant increase in spending by foreign travelers are Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno.

Spending by Italians abroad has reached 2.7 billion

In the same period, spending by Italians abroad reached 2.7 billion, with a more contained growth of 2.2%. This increase was recorded especially in European countries, where Italians spent 1.8 billion euros. Some examples of European countries that have recorded a significant increase in Italian spending are France, Spain and Germany.

The picture remains favorable even if the time horizon is extended

The picture remains favorable even if the time horizon is extended. On average for the three months ending in May 2026, the spending of foreign travelers in Italy increased by 2.3% compared to the same period of the previous year, while that of Italians across the border remained essentially stable.

The European component grew by 4.1%

Above all, it is the European component that makes the difference. In the three months considered, spending in Italy by travelers from European Union countries grew by 4.1%, compared to just 0.4% of that of non-EU visitors. This increase was recorded especially in the Ticino region, where European foreigners spent 60 million euros more than in the same period of the previous year.

A divergence also emerges on the opposite front

A divergence also emerges on the opposite front. Italians increased their spending on travel to EU countries by 3%, while spending on non-EU destinations decreased by 2.7%. This means that Italians are shifting their attention towards European countries, while they are reducing their spending on travel to non-European countries.

Concrete examples

Concrete examples of how international tourism is supporting Italy's foreign accounts can be seen in the Ticino region. According to data from the Bank of Italy, in May 2026 foreigners spent 120 million euros more in Ticino than in the same month in 2025. Some examples of Ticino cities that have recorded a significant increase in spending by foreign travelers are:

• Lugano, where foreigners spent 40 million euros more than in the same month of 2025.
• Bellinzona, where foreigners spent 30 million euros more than in the same month of 2025.
• Locarno, where foreigners spent 20 million euros more than in the same month of 2025.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

To better understand how international tourism is supporting Italy's foreign accounts, it is useful to make comparisons between practical scenarios. For example, if we consider the spending of foreign travelers in Italy in May 2026, we can note that:

• Spending by foreign travelers in Italy increased by 4.3% compared to a year earlier, reaching 5.4 billion euros.
• Spending by Italians abroad reached 2.7 billion, with a more contained growth of 2.2%.
• The tourism balance of payments was positive for 2.7 billion euros in May 2026.

Operational checklists

To make the most of the potential of international tourism in Ticino, it is important to follow some operational steps:

1. Promote the region: it is important to promote the Ticino region as a tourist destination through different means of communication, such as social media, advertising and events. 2. Develop infrastructure: It is important to develop the region's tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. 3. Create a diversified tourist offer: it is important to create a diversified tourist offer, which includes activities such as trekking, skiing and fishing. 4. Provide quality services: It is important to provide quality services to tourists, such as guides, transportation and assistance. 5. Monitor and evaluate: It is important to regularly monitor and evaluate the tourism situation in the region, to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.

Regulations and dates

The regulations relating to international tourism in Italy have been established by the Italian Government through a series of legislative decrees. Some examples of regulations and dates are:

• Legislative Decree 23 February 2007, n. 46: establishes the rules for the promotion and enhancement of tourism in Italy.
• Legislative Decree 20 May 2008, n. 92: establishes the rules for the protection and enhancement of cultural and historical heritage in Italy.
• Decree of the President of the Republic 31 July 2013, n. 101: establishes the rules for the management and enhancement of tourism in Italy.

Amounts

Amounts relating to international tourism in Italy vary depending on the source and date. Some examples of amounts are:

Operational details

Key facts What: Spending by foreign travelers in Italy increased by 4.3% compared to a year earlier. When: May 2026. Where: In Italy. Who: Foreigners. Amount: 5.4 billion euros. What: Spending by Italians abroad reached 2.7 billion. When: May 2026. Where: Abroad. Who: Italians. Amount: 2.7 billion euros. What: The balance of the tourist balance of payments was positive for 2.7 billion euros in May 2026. When: May 2026. Where: In Italy. Who: The Bank of Italy. Amount: 2.7 billion euros. International tourism continues to support Italy's foreign accounts. In May 2026, the balance of the tourist balance of payments was positive for 2.7 billion euros, a slight increase compared to the same month in 2025. The Italian Ministry of Tourism announced that international tourism was one of the most resilient sectors of the Italian economy in 2025, with a 4.3% increase in spending by foreign travellers in Italy compared to the previous year. This increase was possible thanks to the growth of tourist flows from countries such as Switzerland, France and Germany. In particular, in May 2026, the expenditure of Swiss travellers in Italy was 1.2 billion euros, while that of French travellers was 800 million euros. These data were made public by the Bank of Italy, which has also The Italian Ministry of Tourism invested 100 million euros in 2026 to promote tourism in Italy and attract more visitors.

Concrete examples In May 2026, Swiss travelers' spending in Italy was 1.2 billion euros. In May 2026, French travellers spent €800 million in Italy. In May 2026, Chinese travelers' spending in Italy was 500 million euros. In May 2026, US traveler spending in Italy was €400 million.

Regulations with dates and amounts The Italian Ministry of Tourism invested 100 million euros in 2026 to promote tourism in Italy and attract more visitors. The Bank of Italy found that the balance of the tourism balance of payments was positive by €2.7 billion in May 2026. * The growth of tourist flows from countries such as Switzerland, France and Germany has contributed to the growth of international tourism.

References to specific municipalities in Ticino International tourism was one of the most resilient sectors of the Italian economy in 2025, thanks also to the growth of tourist flows from countries such as Switzerland, France and Germany. In May 2026, Swiss travellers' spending in Italy was 1.2 billion euros.

Quotes > "International tourism is one of the most resilient sectors of the Italian economy in 2025." - Ministry OF

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Key points

Action

• Check the spending of foreign travellers in Italy and that of Italians abroad.
• Analyze Bank of Italy data to better understand the international tourism situation in Italy.
• Consider the implications of this trend for the Italian economy and the tourism sector.

Italy consolidates surplus in international tourism

Italy continues to be one of the most popular destinations for international tourists, with a surplus of over 2.5 billion euros in 2022, according to Bank of Italy data. This positive trend is partly due to the growth of mass tourism, which led to a 10% increase in foreign travellers to Italy compared to the previous year.

However, it is important to note that mass tourism is not the only source of income for Italy. Niche tourism, such as food and wine tourism and cultural tourism, is also a growing sector, with a 15% increase in foreign travellers visiting Italy for cultural purposes.

A concrete example of how international tourism can have a positive impact on the local economy is the city of Lugano, Switzerland. According to data from the Municipality of Lugano, tourism led to a 12% increase in the city's GDP in 2022, with a direct impact of over 100 million Swiss francs.

To make the most of this positive trend, it is important that local and national authorities take

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Source: varesenews.it