Basilicata tourism faces scrutiny over spending and data accuracy

An analysis of tourism in Basilicata reveals concerns regarding the effectiveness of public spending and the accuracy of industry data. Reports from Federalberghi suggest that significant public resources are being directed toward exhibitions, conferences, awards, and fairs, while the region faces a declining attractiveness due to a “mordi e fuggi” (hit-and-run) tourism model.

Data regarding hotel saturation rates, currently cited at approximately 47.92%, are being questioned. Critics argue these figures are misleading because they rely heavily on Online Travel Agency (OTA) monitoring, which excludes private short-term rentals, traditional non-hotel accommodations like campsites, and direct bookings. Furthermore, the saturation rate may be artificially inflated if hotels reduce the number of rooms listed online in response to rising costs or falling demand.