Italian tourism set to increase this year

According to the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report the outlook for Travel & Tourism across the globe in 2014 is extremely positive despite turbulent economic times, with worldwide Travel & Tourism GDP growth forecast to reach 4.3%.

Much of this growth is being driven by higher consumer spending as the recovery from recession gathers pace with tourists predicted to spend more and stay longer on their holidays in 2014.

The report has highlighted visitor exports as a key component of the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism. In Italy in particular, the country generated a staggering EUR 33.3bn in visitor exports during 2013. In 2014, this is expected to grow by 3.6% with la dolce vita expected to attract 48,832,000 international tourist arrivals. Interestingly, by 2024, international tourist arrivals are forecast to increase a further 24.5% to a total of 64,754,000, generating an expenditure of EUR40.6bn.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, owner of family-run fractional property company Appassionata based in the picture perfect Le Marche region of Italy comments: “To those familiar with or who already reside in Italy this data from the WTTC will come as no surprise. Italy is a country of many faces, from the bustle of the big cities with their ancient architecture, to the refreshing simplicity of rural life in an idyllic setting. Of course the balmy climate – a key factor in many visitors' choice of holiday destination – also adds to Italy's charms.