Italy consolidates surplus in international tourism (cross-border guide)

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.

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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

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