Tourism remains one of Italy's largest sources of economic growth. According to a survey by Federmeccanica and Federturismo, the sector accounts for 30,5% of the economy's growth, surpassing commerce, which accounts for 16%.
However, the numbers hide a structural problem: 75% of tourists are concentrated in just 4% of the country's territory. Cities like Venice, Roma and Naples lead the ranking of visitors, while other regions receive practically no tourist flow.
In 2022, Venice attracted 6,5 million tourists, followed by Roma, with 4,9 million, and Naples, with 1,8 million. On the other hand, provinces like Isernia, in the south of the country, registered only 2 visitors in the same period, according to Istat data compiled by The European House Ambrosetti.
Mass tourism overloads cities and does not improve wages
The concentration of visitors puts pressure on urban services and raises real estate and rental prices. The so-called overtourism It drives residents away and harms local well-being. These costs aren't accounted for in GDP, but they directly impact quality of life and productivity in areas such as transportation and infrastructure.
Despite its economic impact, tourism doesn't generate quality jobs. According to ISTAT, between 2015 and 2023, prices for accommodation and food services rose 21,9%, while wages increased only 5%. Furthermore, 70% of workers in the sector have temporary and precarious contracts. Compared to 2012, prices rose 60%, but wages remained virtually stagnant.
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