Italian tourism costs soar as flight and hotel prices jump over 70% in a decade

A study by the Centre for Training and Research on Consumption (C.R.C.) comparing 2016 and 2026 data shows that Italian summer travel has become markedly more expensive. National flight prices have risen +193 % and European flights +187 %, while inter‑continental fares are +68 % higher. Ferry fares have nearly doubled (+92 %) and fuel prices have jumped, with diesel up +61 % and gasoline +28.5 %. Car‑rental rates are +28 % higher and train tickets +27.6 % more costly; highway tolls have increased modestly (+10.3 %). Hotel rooms now cost +69 % more and all‑inclusive vacation packages +46 %; holiday villages and campsites see a smaller rise (+22 %). Summer food items have also risen sharply, e.g., tomatoes +74 %, salad +41 %, fresh fruit +39.8 %, ice‑cream +36 %, fish products +33.7 %, mineral water +33 % and non‑alcoholic drinks +30 %; even beer (+16 %) and air‑conditioners (+15 %) have climbed.

The price surge has altered travellers’ habits. According to Furio Truzzi, president of the C.R.C. scientific committee, “the heavy price hikes have profoundly changed Italian travel habits, prompting families to adopt survival strategies and shorten vacations.” The share of Italians vacationing abroad fell from 25.5 % in 2016 to 12 % in the latest year, with a growing preference for shorter, domestic trips. Municipalities such as Venice and Verona are responding with measures like entry tickets, online reservations and tighter regulation of short‑term rentals to curb overtourism and protect resident communities.