Italy’s impressive tourism run continues

The Italian National Tourism Observatory’s latest data shows that the country is on track to reach 53.5 million international arrivals in 2013, 2.5 per cent higher than last year.

Germany is driving the growth, accounting for over one-third (37 per cent) of visitors, followed by American, British and French tourists.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, who has renovated two fractional ownership luxury holiday homes in Italy's Le Marche region with her company Appassionate, comments: "Italy really does have it all: fabulous weather, incredible cuisine and delightful, ancient architecture. Here in Le Marche visitors have access to pristine beaches, mountains with stunning scenery, a wide choice of winter sports, equestrian tourism... everything is at their fingertips."

Indeed, the Italian Equestrian Tourism Federation has found equestrian tourism is growing around the world – and Italy is galloping away, attracting 1.5 million of Europe’s 30 million horseback holidaymakers.

Italy’s tourism sector overall is looking to have a thoroughbred year, with international arrivals expected to trot up another 3 per cent in 2014.