Many regions in Italy are overrun by tourism. But in one city on the Adriatic, the number of holidaymakers is falling significantly. Why is that?
Lignano Sabbiadoro – Italy is known for its many beautiful corners. But German holidaymakers do not know all the places that are also popular with the locals. German and Austrian tourists have turned away from one place. Lignano Sabbiadoro is experiencing a sharp decline in travelers. One reason for the falling numbers is the high prices in Italy. Hoteliers and companies are worried.
Italian holiday resort complains about 15 percent fewer tourists
According to the Italian news agency ANSA Lignano’s businessmen and hoteliers are convinced that the situation is “not at all rosy”. This gloomy forecast is based on the analysis of the summer season, which shows a decline in tourist numbers of up to 15 percent compared to 2023. “The current picture does not bode well,” said Matteo Battiston, spokesman for the Confesercenti trade association of Lignano.
Battiston explained: “We are seeing a 10 to 15 percent drop in attendance compared to last year and we are seeing a sharp drop in tourists from Austria and Germany in favour of a slight increase in guests from Eastern Europe.” He blames the previous local government for this development, which had been poorly planning for decades. This is the reason why the season lasts only four months instead of six and has had to be reduced to 60 days.
Italy: Decline in holidaymakers in Adriatic resort – “Restrictive regulation”
The association spokesman stressed: “As long as Lignano continues to be attractive only for the sea and the beach, we can only surrender to the fate of the weather.” He criticised the fact that the Riviera thermal baths were allowed to close and that the offer for young people in the evening and at night has been severely restricted over the last ten years “by increasingly restrictive regulations”.
The Confesercenti trade association is considering new entertainment measures and companies are showing willingness to open their shops for several months. But Battiston warned: “If the costs exceed the expenses, it goes without saying that it is better to close.”
Decline in tourists in Italian holiday resort – prices rise
In addition to the weather, the rising costs that affect many holiday regions could also be responsible for the lack of holidaymakers. The Italian consumer protection association Codacons reports that rail fares have risen by 8.3 percent and bus fares by 3.1 percent compared to the previous year.
An analysis of the data published by the statistics office Istat also shows that the prices of food in restaurants and bars have increased by 3.4 percent. The cost of accommodation has also increased: prices for holiday villages and campsites rose by eight percent, those for hotels by 4.2 percent and those for other accommodation establishments by 7.2 percent. (vk)
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