Calabria tourism and airport infrastructure face regional challenges

Economic indicators in Calabria reveal a complex landscape for tourism and regional mobility. In Reggio Calabria, while the Stretto Airport saw a 1.9% increase in passengers in July, international passenger numbers dropped by 24.7%. Claudio Aloisio, president of Confesercenti Rc, noted that this decline in international travelers—who typically stay longer and spend more—contributes to a contraction in local consumption and commerce. The region faces economic challenges, with inflation at 4.3% and projected GDP growth for Reggio Calabria at zero for 2026.

Meanwhile, in Crotone, the Pitagora Airport reports a high aircraft load factor of 89.1%, indicating strong demand. However, overall passenger volumes have stagnated, decreasing by 0.4%. Local representative Elisabetta Barbuto criticized the lack of infrastructure investment, alleging that €36 million originally intended for the airport through the CIS Volare development contracts was diverted to other regional airports. She emphasized that despite the high demand for mobility in the Ionian area, the lack of strategic expansion prevents the airport from growing alongside other regional hubs.