Italy transforms tourism into a structured industry with focus on labor

Italian Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi has announced a strategic shift to treat tourism as a structured industry rather than mere seasonal leisure. He reported that tourism employment reached 3.2 million in 2025, an 18.5% increase since the Meloni government took office. To address labor shortages and improve working conditions, the government has implemented a 15% wage supplement for night and holiday shifts, a 5% tax exemption on tips, and a 120 million euro investment to provide 60,000 subsidized housing beds for workers.

In the Abruzzo region, tourism is seeing growth exceeding national averages, with a 7.2% increase in arrivals during the first half of 2026. Meanwhile, the national seaside tourism sector is projected to generate 30 billion euros in added value by 2026.

However, local challenges persist. In Agrigento, Assoturismo President Vittorio Messina warned of a disappointing summer season, citing inadequate water services and waste management as critical issues that undermine the city's reputation following its tenure as the Italian Capital of Culture.