Laura Alese - Federturismo Confindustria

🏧 Following the reduction of the minimum spending threshold for Tax Free Shopping from €154.95 to €70.01 by the Italian Ministry of Tourism and Minister Santanchè, Tax Free transactions surged by +44% from February 2024 to January 2025. Spending volumes increased by +5% and over 500,000 new shoppers, mainly from the USA (18%), Latin America (12%), Switzerland (9%), and Turkey (7%), were attracted. The lower threshold led to a spending contribution from major cities (Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice) falling to 52%, down 25 percentage points, while spending in less frequented destinations rose from 11% to 27%. Notable increases were seen in locations such as Catania (+73%), Como (+69%), and Amalfi (+65%). Transactions for local retail and small crafts surged by +56%, and spending volumes by +12%, with the leather goods and bags sector seeing +56% in transactions and +17% in spending.

🗽 In 2024, 50 nationalities, including over 20% under 25, traversed Italy's main religious route, the Via Francigena, for spiritual and cultural experiences. Departures spread throughout the year, with April favored (26%). The Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, supports the sector with funds and agreements. 87% walked, while cyclists decreased to 13%. There's a slight male majority (51.4%). Italians are the largest group (70.7%), followed by France, the USA, the UK, and the Netherlands.

🎃 Carnevale tourism in Italy, from February 28 to March 4, generates over €450 million. Key locations include Venice, Viareggio, Fano, Ivrea, Putignano, Cento, Acireale, Sappada, Sciacca, and Mamoiada, impacting not just the event towns but their entire districts. Venice tops the economic movement chart, followed by Viareggio and then Ivrea (famous for the 'Battle of the Oranges') and Fano in third place. Foreign tourists significantly contribute to the Carnevale economy. For more details: [CNA Italy](https://www.cna.it/).