Laura Alese - Federturismo Confindustria

🚲 In 2024, Italy is poised to surpass €10 billion in ciclotourism revenue, with over 7.5 million enthusiasts, growing 18% annually. Essential services include water stations (47.4%), rest areas (46%), and first aid points (42%). Italy leads as a top destination, followed by France, Germany, and the Netherlands. By 2030, global sports tourism is projected to hit $2,100 billion, with Europe contributing €230 billion in 2023, expected to exceed €800 billion by 2030.

📚 Federturismo Confindustria, supported by Google.org's AI Opportunity Fund, will offer a free AI training course in Italy by 2025/2026. Aimed at 750 tourism professionals, particularly women, NEET, and LGBTQ+ communities, the course comprises five 2-hour modules totaling 10 hours. Participants can choose between in-person or remote learning. Each class accommodates 25-30 participants, with sessions organized until May 2026. For details, contact Federturismo via progetti@federturismo.it.

🏠 European travelers prioritize experiences over cost or accommodation according to an Arival study: 57% of respondents value experiences significantly. In 2024, Naples ranks as the top Italian city for booked experiences, surpassing Rome. Florence, Milan, and Sorrento follow. Popular sites include Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Pisa, and the Vatican Museums. Online reviews are crucial, with 9 out of 10 using them before booking. AI helps offer personalized itineraries and experiences.

📈 Italy Family Hotels' 2025 report shows family-focused hotels in Italy saw an 85% revenue boost per room, 80% increase in ADR, and 35% higher occupancy. 25% of hotels rely on families for 70% of revenue, with 20% from foreign guests, mainly German and Eastern European. 25.7% of families plan three vacations annually; 39.1% plan two. Social media influences 38.6% of travel plans. 64.5% choose family hotels for kid-friendly amenities, with 90% prioritizing children's enjoyment.

📅 Italy, in 2024, excelled in the global meeting industry, hosting 635 international congresses, marking an increase of 82 from 2023. The country ranks second globally, after the U.S. with 709 congresses. Rome and Milan rank 9th and 14th worldwide, hosting 114 and 100 congresses, respectively. Italy leads with 20 cities in the ICCA top 300. The nation is third globally for congresses in technology and medical-scientific sectors.

📅 Enit reports a substantial rise in Italy's MICE tourism in 2024. 340,000 international congress attendees (+22.7%) and 500,000 fair visitors (+18.3%) were recorded. Congress-related stayovers rose by 14.5% (1.152 million), while fair-related increased by 18.4% (1.594 million). Spending hit €270 million for congresses (+20%) and €530 million for fairs (+27.7%). Germany leads with 13% of travelers; U.S. tops spending at 14.5%. German visitors spent nearly €9 billion (+8%). Overall, German arrivals are expected to grow by 4.3%.

🌍 34.6 million cruisers globally in the past year, projected to hit 37.7 million by 2025. In 2024, Italian cruisers increased 28% to 1.15 million, preferring the Mediterranean (84%). The cruise industry generated $168.6 billion globally in 2023, with $55 billion in Europe and $16 billion in Italy. 31% of recent cruisers were first-timers. 61% of Clia's fleet now connects to shore power, expected to reach 72% by 2028. 69% of cruisers stay overnight in hotels pre/post-cruise.